Recognising and Responding to Toxic Behaviour in the Workplace
- Jan Hein Nielsen
- 26. apr.
- 2 min læsning

A healthy workplace is built on trust, collaboration, and psychological safety. However, in many organisations, toxicity can silently take root—undermining morale, productivity, and even mental health. Toxic behaviour at work often goes unnoticed or unaddressed until it becomes deeply embedded in the culture. Understanding the signs and learning how to respond is essential for both individuals and organisations to thrive.
What is Toxic Behaviour?
Toxic behaviour in the workplace includes persistent patterns of disrespect, manipulation, exclusion, gossip, aggression, or passive-aggressive conduct. It can manifest between peers, from leaders to employees, or even across teams. Toxicity isn't just about "difficult personalities"—it's about behaviours that create fear, instability, and dysfunction.
Common Signs of a Toxic Work Environment:
Lack of trust and openness
Frequent miscommunication or blame
Micromanagement and control
Public shaming or undermining
Exclusion from key decisions or meetings
Unclear expectations and shifting goals
High turnover or burnout rates
How to Identify If You’re Being Impacted
If you frequently feel drained, anxious, or fearful at work, it's worth reflecting on your environment. Victims of toxic behaviour often second-guess themselves, feel isolated, or experience a drop in confidence and wellbeing. If your contributions are consistently dismissed, you're excluded from growth opportunities, or feel unsafe speaking up, these are red flags.
Mitigating the Impact of Toxicity
If you find yourself affected by a toxic dynamic, you are not powerless. Here are steps you can take:
Recognise it isn’t about you: Toxic behaviour says more about the person displaying it than about you. Don’t internalise the negativity.
Set clear boundaries: Be firm, professional, and consistent in your interactions. Don’t engage in toxic patterns.
Document incidents: Keep a written record of interactions that feel inappropriate or harmful. This can be vital if you choose to escalate.
Seek support: Reach out to a trusted colleague, coach, mentor, or HR representative. Sharing your experience can offer validation and guidance.
Focus on your wellbeing: Engage in practices that ground and restore you—coaching, mindfulness, exercise, and connection outside of work.
Explore your options: In persistent cases, it may be necessary to involve leadership or consider new opportunities where you can thrive.
The Role of Coaching
Coaching can be a powerful ally in navigating toxic environments. A coach can help you reflect on your experience, strengthen your inner resources, and explore constructive ways to respond. Coaching offers a space of safety, clarity, and empowerment—especially valuable when your work environment doesn’t.
Toxicity doesn’t have to define your career or your sense of self. With awareness, support, and the right tools, you can protect your wellbeing and create a path forward that aligns with your values and strengths.
Everyone deserves to work in a space where they feel seen, respected, and supported!
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