What is a Toxic Coworker?
A toxic coworker is an employee whose behavior consistently undermines team morale, productivity, or trust. Unlike someone simply having a bad day, toxic coworkers create ongoing problems that affect the workplace environment and other employees’ performance. They can appear in different forms – each with damaging effects.
Common types include incompetents, who are disorganized and unreliable; slackers, who avoid responsibility and show little motivation; egoists, who overestimate their abilities and often clash with teammates; gossips, who spread rumors that harm reputations; and backstabbers, who steal credit, defy authority, and blame others.
Unchecked, toxic coworkers create stress, lower morale, and disrupt collaboration. They can increase turnover, reduce productivity, and foster a hostile environment. Identifying toxic behavior early and addressing it through clear communication, accountability, and strong leadership is essential to protect team health and maintain a positive workplace culture.
