As a manager, one of the toughest parts of your job is dealing with toxic employees. They come in different forms, from the ones who can’t seem to do anything right to the ones who are always causing trouble. However, managing toxic employees is essential to safeguarding your team’s productivity, morale, and overall well-being. In this blog post, I will outline some strategies that can help you deal with toxic employees effectively.

What is a toxic employee? 🤔

Before we jump into the strategies, it’s crucial to understand what makes an employee toxic. A toxic employee is someone who disrupts the working environment with their negative behavior, attitudes, and actions. They can have a detrimental effect on team morale, productivity, and even drive other employees away. Some common behaviors of toxic employees include:

  • Gossiping and spreading rumors
  • Undermining others
  • Taking credit for other people’s work
  • Making excessive demands
  • Refusing to cooperate with the team

Now that you know what defines a toxic employee let’s move on to the strategies.

Strategy 1: Set clear expectations and consequences ⚖️

One of the best ways to manage toxic employees is to set clear expectations from the start. You need to communicate what behaviors are acceptable and what behaviors are not. Make sure you have a robust employee handbook that covers essential policies such as harassment, discrimination, and attendance. Then, make sure every employee understands them.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to establish consequences for not adhering to these expectations. For example, if an employee is caught gossiping or spreading rumors, make it clear that there will be consequences such as a verbal warning, a written warning, or even termination. This will create a culture of accountability where everyone understands that there are consequences for negative behavior.

A boss talking to an employee at a desk

Strategy 2: Address negative behavior head-on 🗣️

When it comes to managing toxic employees, it’s essential to address negative behavior head-on. Ignoring it will only make the situation worse. Be confident, constructive, and straightforward when communicating with the toxic employee about their negative behavior. Avoid being judgmental, and instead, focus on the impact their actions are having on the team. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.

When you address toxic employees, do it in private and avoid attacking them personally. Instead, focus on their actions and the impact they’re having on the team. This approach will help create a safe space where they can reflect on their behavior and make positive changes.

A boss addressing a toxic employee in a meeting room

Strategy 3: Invest in employee development 📚

As a manager, you have a responsibility to support the growth and development of your employees. One way to manage toxic employees is to invest in their development. Set goals with them and provide them with the necessary resources to achieve those goals. This approach will help them feel valued and supported, which can motivate them to improve their performance.

Furthermore, investing in employee development creates a culture of continuous learning and growth. You’re communicating that you’re invested in their career progression and that you see potential in them. This approach can be particularly powerful with toxic employees because you’re showing them that you’re invested in their success.

A manager working with an employee to develop their skills

Strategy 4: Seek support from HR and other managers 🤝

Managing toxic employees can be challenging, and you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support from HR and other managers in your company. They can provide fresh perspectives, insights, and solutions that you might not have thought of. Also, HR can advise you on the legal obligations that come with managing difficult employees.

If you’re a smaller company without HR consulting services, reach out to other professionals in your field. They may have dealt with similar situations and can provide guidance. The bottom line is that seeking support can help you avoid costly mistakes and inform your decision-making.

A group of managers and employees gathered around a table for a meeting

Final thoughts 💭

Managing toxic employees can be one of the most challenging parts of being a manager. But, with the strategies outlined above, you can mitigate their negative impact and create a healthier work environment for everyone. Remember that setting clear expectations, addressing negative behavior head-on, investing in employee development, and seeking support can help you effectively manage toxic employees.

A group of employees working together in a bright and vibrant office