The expert cites the best advice for dealing with difficulties in the world of work
A good coexistence at work is essential, as it allows employees to carry out their activities in a healthy and harmonious way. But despite all the efforts to get along, there is often that person who weighs down the environment, with unpleasant attitudes, generating verbal and, in some cases, physical aggression. But what is the famous toxic employee anyway?
According to psychologist and professor of psychology at Cruzeiro do Sul University, Dr. Célia Regina da Silva Rocha, this person enjoys making difficult and ruining the day of other colleagues, having a great ability to manipulate others and cause harmful emotions and situations.
“Usually, this type of employee dramatizes situations to distinguish themselves from others,” he says.
Thus, Célia summarizes that toxic employees may give compliments that are not true, tend to troubleshoot personal issues, spread negativity and distrust through pain, fear and anger among co-workers.
They always shift the blame for everything
Typically, these people don’t take responsibility, blame their mistakes on other colleagues, and lack empathy for other people’s problems.
“They can be uncomfortable in the way they address co-workers, humiliating them, using sarcasm, pointing out mistakes and berating them in the presence of other co-workers and/or clients, without worrying about the consequences of their attitudes. They are not happy with the success and importance of others, they feel neglected and damaged”, explains the teacher.
In this sense, there is a population study conducted by researchers at the University of South Australia which revealed that facing a toxic work environment increases the risk of depression by 300%. Data indicates that employees of organizations that do not prioritize the mental health of their colleagues are three times more likely to develop depression than other workers.
“Usually a healthy climate and relationships between people are expected within the workplace. However, this isn’t always the case for toxic individuals. The way these people act favors an unfavorable climate, overloading interpersonal relationships, permeated by insecurity and fear, generating anxiety, stress and depression”, underlines the professor of the Psychology course at the Cruzeiro do Sul University.
The fear of reprisals
Rocha points out that these employees are not reported in the workplace for fear of retaliation, especially when the attackers are in higher positions.
“We look for healthy relationships and interactions in a corporate environment, establishing a relationship of trust, autonomy and respect. But, unfortunately, it can happen that we get into a relationship with a toxic person without realizing it.”
Even so, Célia finds it pertinent to remember that a difficult person in the workplace doesn’t always mean that person is toxic. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the signals shown by your colleague.
Tips on how to deal with these people
- • Don’t forget that you are in your work environment, so try to have a strictly professional relationship, coexisting with and respecting your colleagues;
- • Try to stay away from negative comments about the company or your colleagues that are not part of your routine and activities;
- • Don’t let that person’s toxicity intervene in your work, personal or family life.
With this, the professor of the Psychology course of the Cruzeiro do Sul University underlines that it is important for employees to be aware of their feelings towards these people, of the situations experienced and faced in their daily professional life, of how the behavior of the attacker can affect them.
“This can help in interacting with this type of colleague, as difficult people are differentiated from toxic ones and, above all, you know yourself and establish your own limits,” he concludes.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
