---
title: "Toxic Employees: How to Spot Them, Stop Them, and Protect Your Team"
description: "Toxic Employees: How to Spot Them, Stop Them, and Protect Your Team\nOne toxic employee can tank morale and productivity. And in small teams, their impact is amplified.\nRed Flags to Watch:\n•	Undermining others or gossiping\n•	Passive-aggressive communication\n•	Disregard for rules or leaders"
---

[Blog](https://www.adlerianconsulting.com.au/blog)

# [Toxic Employees: How to Spot Them, Stop Them, and Protect Your Team](https://www.adlerianconsulting.com.au/blog/toxic-employees-how-to-spot-them-stop-them-and-protect-your-team)

 Written by [Adlerian Consulting](https://www.adlerianconsulting.com.au/blog/author/adlerian-consulting) | Apr 30, 2025 9:34:35 AM

**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.

[View full post](https://www.adlerianconsulting.com.au/blog/toxic-employees-how-to-spot-them-stop-them-and-protect-your-team)

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