How do you manage a toxic employee?

Dealing with a toxic employee can be challenging for managers, who must navigate tricky relationships while maintaining a positive work environment. To address the issue, it's essential to identify what behaviors are truly toxic and not just misinterpreted as such. Managers should check their assumptions and consider whether the employee's behavior is due to personal issues or a lack of support. A one-on-one conversation is often the best approach to discuss the employee's behavior and find a constructive solution. The goal of this conversation is to listen effectively and share observations about the employee's behavior. Managers should be prepared to set clear boundaries for the employee's conduct going forward. If the employee doesn't show signs of changing after the initial conversation, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of the rest of the team. Toxic employees can lead to higher rates of burnout among their colleagues, so managers must take action to protect the team. Setting clear boundaries and addressing the issue promptly can help prevent further disruption. Ultimately, managers must balance their approach to support the toxic employee while also protecting the rest of the team.