Toxic Employees: How to Spot Them, Stop Them, and Protect Your Team

Toxic Employees: How to Spot Them, Stop Them, and Protect Your Team

One toxic employee can tank morale and productivity. And in small teams, their impact is amplified.

Red Flags to Watch:

• Undermining others or gossiping
• Passive-aggressive communication
• Disregard for rules or leaders
• Playing the victim or blaming others

How to Respond:

1. Document Everything – Keep records of behaviours, incidents, and conversations.
2. Give Feedback Early – Be direct but respectful. Focus on behaviours, not personality.
3. Use Your Policies – Refer to your Code of Conduct or Values. Set clear standards for everyone
4. Escalate if Needed – Follow a fair disciplinary process. Don’t let fear of conflict paralyse you.

Reminder: Protecting your team culture is part of your job as a leader.

This type of situation is often quite subtle and requires persistence to manage effectively.