Tackling Toxic Employees: A Two-Pronged Approach

It’s not unusual for organizations to reach out and ask for help with toxic employees. They know a toxic employee when they have one, and they certainly know it’s a problem! 

But they often can’t pinpoint the root of the problem and identify exactly what to do to fix it. Let’s dig into the cause and effect of toxicity in the workplace and map out some clear tactics for restoring a healthier and more productive environment.

The Effect: Toxic Behaviors and Their Impact

If you have ever worked with a toxic employee, then you know it’s pretty easy to describe the negative behaviors that spread like noxious fumes throughout the workplace. The most common complaints include:

• Disrespect
• Non-inclusivity
• Unethical conduct
• Untrustworthiness
• Aggression
• Gossiping
• Narcissism
• Pessimism

These behaviors can eat away at an employee, a team, and a company as a whole. This kind of toxicity is proven to lead to:

1. Lowered morale and decreased employee trust

2. Poor representation of the company

3. Reduced overall performance

4. Negative impact on employee retention

5. Damage to employer brand and future recruitment efforts

The Cause: Understanding the Root of Toxicity

While it's essential to recognize toxic behaviors, it's equally important to understand how they develop. After all, these employees weren't likely to exhibit such traits during the hiring process (or you wouldn’t have hired them). So, what changed?

In my experience, toxic behaviors are often a direct result of a lack of employee engagement. Imagine a company campfire with all employees gathered around:

• Engaged employees are actively creating sparks and stoking the fire. They find purpose and meaning in their work.
• Disengaged employees are lounging around, letting others do the work. They're present but not contributing.
• Actively disengaged employees are the toxic ones. They metaphorically dump water on the fire and remove logs. They work against the company's interests.

Strategies for Handling Toxic Employees

We must tackle the symptoms and root causes to effectively address toxic behavior. Here are some strategies I recommend:

1. Define Your Company Culture

• Clearly identify which behaviors you value and which you won't tolerate.
• Ensure all leaders are aligned on these values.

2. Set Clear Expectations

• Communicate behavioral expectations to all employees.
• Commit to hiring only those who naturally demonstrate your valued behaviors.

3: Reinforce Positive Behaviors

• Recognize and reward employees who embody your company values.
• Address behaviors that don't align promptly and consistently.

4. Focus on Employee Engagement

• Monitor engagement levels closely.
• Listen to your employees and understand what drives their engagement.
• Identify and address factors that may be hindering overall engagement.
• Develop a strategic plan to improve areas of concern.

Companies can create a more positive, productive work environment by addressing both the symptoms of toxicity and the underlying engagement issues. Remember, a healthy corporate culture isn't just about eliminating negative behaviors—it's about fostering an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to contribute their best.