CAREER’S CORNER: How To Identify When You’re The ‘Toxic’ Co-worker At Work

Loading player...
Phiona Martin - award-winning Organizational Psychologist, Career Coach talks about Signs of a toxic coworker

None of these though compare to the person who wreaks havoc on you and everyone around you. They spend their daily work lives doing things that never have a positive outcome and make you wish it was the end of the day when you just got there with your breakfast in tote. I am talking about the ever so present toxic co-worker. 

Face it: some of you out there are the textbook definition of this type of employee. You may not know it, or do and deny it, but there are key signs attributed to the behavior that earns you this unglamorous honor.

They create a space that’s either not fun to be around or is repeatedly doing things that brings the rest of your staff down in the process. 

Worst of all is that this person will claw their way to a promotion over you and you may not even know it. Ways that they do this range from manipulation to starting drama with others to even being a likable yet not suitable person for the job. 

And yes, this person can still be that frustrating even in a virtual setting that many of us remain in due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tricks they have up their sleeve go beyond the physical presence, it’s just up to you to figure out what their work style is.
30 Jan 2023 1PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

BofA Slashes SA Growth Forecast as Inflation Surges

Bank of America has cut South Africa’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.3%, warning that higher oil and fertilizer prices will keep inflation above 4% for most of the year. Economist Tatonga Rusike explains
23 Apr 3PM 11 min

Understanding SA’s First Wealth Score

Franc unveils South Africa’s first-ever Wealth Score, revealing that financial habits—not income—are the strongest predictor of financial health. We unpack why SA’s national score is 45/100 and the behavior gap between knowing and doing with Dr. Thomas Brennan, founder and CEO of Franc.
23 Apr 3PM 13 min

Clicks Lifts HEPS 8% Despite Warehouse Disruptions.

Clicks delivered firm interim results with diluted HEPS up 8.1%, even as warehouse system delays cost an estimated R175 million in lost sales. CEO Bertina Engelbrecht discusses pharmacy growth, trading margins, and festive‑season competition.
23 Apr 2PM 16 min