BUSINESS LEADERS CANNOT IGNORE persistent complaining, blaming, gossiping, slacking, criticizing, dramatizing, and all those other toxic behaviors, because toxicity spreads.

Just as a toxic chemical permeates an area and severely affects anyone around it, a toxic employee’s words and actions negatively impact your business. The problem goes beyond the one unpleasant individual; allowing that one toxic employee to hang around can lower overall morale, erode trust in leadership, increase stress levels, and annoy co-workers who just want to do their jobs.

Eventually, even your high-performing employees will get frustrated and ultimately walk out the door, costing tens of thousands of dollars in turnover expenses! 

That toxic team member really causes problems:

• Morale sinks as teammates tiptoe around negativity.

• Stress increases, leading to burnout and increased use of sick leave days.

• Productivity slows, since teams drain their energy dealing with emotional distractions.

• Turnover increases, as your best employees get worn-out from the chaos and leave. 

DON’T IGNORE WARNING SIGNS. A strong leader doesn’t tolerate toxicity – they address it directly. The earlier the signs are identified, and the faster you intervene, the more you protect your culture and your team.

If you’re not sure how to address toxic behavior without risking legal consequences or company morale, or just want to gather more information to help you become a better leader, here’s an offer: 

CAPTAIN HR has developed a 5-step plan to Defuse a Toxic Employee, and it’s AVAILABLE for download AT NO CHARGE. Leave your email address, and the Plan will be sent automatically.