This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
January 6, 2022, marked a day when many employees dreaded going back to work, not because of the workload, but because of the toxic colleagues they had to interact with every day.
According to the social cognitive theory (SCT) of 1986, human behavior is influenced by a combination of environmental, personal, and behavioral characteristics. In a work setting, this means that a toxic colleague can disrupt the entire team's dynamics and productivity.
Here are some common types of toxic personalities you might encounter in the workplace:
- The Gossip
- The Blame Game
- The Control Freak
- The Complainer
- The Paranoid One
Dealing with toxic colleagues requires setting clear boundaries and expectations. Avoid engaging with them in conversations that can escalate into arguments or conflicts. Instead, focus on maintaining a positive work environment by being a good team player, communicating effectively, and seeking support from colleagues or management when needed.
