In the world of working adults, toxicity can be subtle and isn’t always easy to spot. Sometimes, it might even be coming from you.

That’s right, even with the best intentions, you can be the one inadvertently poisoning your workplace atmosphere. Recognizing this is crucial, as the first step towards change is awareness. 

In this article, we’ll explore 9 behaviors that might indicate you’re the toxic one in your office. 

Don’t worry – if you find yourself guilty of these behaviors, it doesn’t make you a bad person. It just means there’s room for improvement. Let’s dive in and see what we can learn.

1) You’re always right

News flash: nobody’s right all the time. And if you find yourself in a position where you’re constantly insisting that your way is the only way, you might be the toxic element in your workplace.

This kind of behavior can lead to a very one-sided dynamic in the office. It stifles creativity and prevents others from feeling confident about sharing their ideas.

Hey, embracing our oops moments isn’t a weakness—it’s flexing those humility muscles. So next time you’re tempted to shut down an idea, pause for a moment and consider whether there might be some merit to it after all.

2) You’re constantly complaining

We all have those days. I remember one particularly rough Monday where everything seemed to go wrong. The copier jammed, my coffee spilled, and my computer decided to update at the most inconvenient time. It was easy to fall into a spiral of complaints, letting everyone know just how terrible my day was going.

But then I realized something – my constant venting wasn’t just affecting me, it was affecting my colleagues too. My negativity was dampening the overall mood in the office, turning me into a source of toxicity.

Here’s the thing: problems and frustrations are a part of life, especially in the workplace. But there’s a huge difference between discussing issues constructively and constantly complaining without seeking solutions.

Remember, positivity is contagious – but so is negativity.  If you find yourself always focusing on the negatives and sharing them with everyone around you, you might be contributing to a toxic work environment.

3) You gossip about colleagues

Interestingly, researchers found that 90% of office conversations qualify as gossip. That’s a lot of time spent discussing others’ affairs! But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s healthy or beneficial.

Office gossip is like a game of telephone – the message gets distorted as it gets passed along, and before you know it, there’s a full-blown misunderstanding.

Take it from me: the workplace is nothing like the Upper East Side in Cecily von Ziegesar’s novel – and sorry, no blog invisibility cloak here. Your actions won’t fly under the radar, and it’s just a matter of time before your colleagues start dubbing you the Gossip Girl of the office.

Colleagues may become hesitant to share information or express themselves openly with you, fearing that their words might be misconstrued or spread without consent.

That’s not all. Gossip tends to focus on negative aspects, which can create a toxic atmosphere, affecting morale and employee well-being.  

4) You dismiss feedback

Feedback is a critical aspect of growth. It gives us insight into our strengths and weaknesses, and it helps us improve.

However, if you find yourself brushing off feedback or getting defensive when someone offers you constructive criticism, you might be contributing to toxicity in your workplace.

Dismissing feedback not only hinders your personal growth, but it can also make your colleagues feel unheard and undervalued. It sends the message that you aren’t interested in their perspectives or in improving yourself.

Nobody likes to hear negative comments about their work, but it’s essential to view feedback as a tool for improvement rather than an attack. 

5) You don’t respect boundaries

Workplace boundaries are crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive environment. They ensure that everyone feels comfortable and respected in their roles.

However, if you’re regularly overstepping these boundaries – whether it’s by micromanaging, invading personal space, or insisting on discussing work outside of office hours – you might be the toxic element in your workplace.

Disregarding boundaries can make others feel uncomfortable and undervalued. It sends a message that you don’t respect their time, space, or autonomy.

It’s important to remember that everyone has different comfort levels and needs when it comes to boundaries. What might seem like being thorough or dedicated to you, might feel like overstepping to someone else.

6) You lack empathy

Empathy is one of the most powerful tools we have for building strong, positive relationships in the workplace. It’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. When we empathize, we create connections, build trust, and foster a sense of belonging.

But if you find it hard to put yourself in others’ shoes, or you dismiss or ignore the feelings of your colleagues, you could be creating a toxic atmosphere.

Lacking empathy can make your colleagues feel undervalued and misunderstood. It can lead to miscommunications and conflict, and it can make people feel like they’re just cogs in a machine, rather than valued members of a team.

The good news is, empathy is something that can be cultivated. It starts with listening – really listening – to what others are saying. It means putting aside your own perspectives and prejudices and trying to understand where the other person is coming from.

7) You don’t take responsibility for your actions

Mistakes happen. I’ve made my fair share, and I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always easy to own up to them. There was a time when I missed an important deadline and my first instinct was to blame it on the overwhelming workload.

But passing the buck or blaming others when things go wrong can create a toxic work environment. It can lead to mistrust, resentment, and a culture of fear and defensiveness.

Taking responsibility for our actions, especially our mistakes, is a sign of maturity and integrity. It shows that we’re willing to learn from our errors and do better next time.

8) You’re not a team player

Success in the workplace isn’t just about individual achievements. It’s about working together as a team towards a common goal.

However, if you’re often working solo, avoiding collaboration, or disregarding the contributions of your colleagues, you might be contributing to a toxic work environment.

Not being a team player can lead to feelings of isolation among your colleagues and hinder collective progress. It sends a message that you’re only interested in your own success, rather than the success of the team as a whole.

Remember that each member of your team brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. By collaborating and leveraging these diverse strengths, you can achieve much more than you could alone.

9) You don’t appreciate others

Appreciation is like the glue that holds a team together. When people feel valued and acknowledged for their contributions, they’re more likely to remain motivated and engaged.

However, if you rarely acknowledge the work of your colleagues, or you take credit for their efforts, you could be creating a toxic work environment.

Failing to show appreciation can make your colleagues feel undervalued and unimportant. It can lead to decreased morale and productivity, and it can even prompt your colleagues to seek recognition elsewhere.

Appreciating others doesn’t have to be grandiose. A simple ‘thank you’ or a brief acknowledgment of someone’s hard work can go a long way. 

Reflect, reset, revive: Break free from toxicity today!

Recognizing and addressing toxic behaviors in the workplace is the first step toward fostering a healthier and more productive environment. If you find yourself resonating with the 9 behaviors highlighted, now is a good time for self-reflection and positive change.

Personal growth is a continuous journey, and acknowledging areas for improvement is a sign of strength. It’s never too late to redefine your impact and cultivate a more positive and collaborative atmosphere. 

So, embrace the opportunity for transformation, and in doing so, become a catalyst for positive change within your professional sphere.