Often, we talk about “toxic workplaces” or “toxic leaders,” but what about the toxic employees? Many of us have encountered one at some point—sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Yet, the frustration, tension, and lasting impact they leave behind can persist long after they’ve moved on.

But can one bad apple really spoil the whole bunch? The answer is yes, these individuals can have a huge impact on a team’s morale and productivity, and their behavior is often harder to spot.

💔Toxic employees often excel at presenting dual personalities:
👉 To superiors, they come across as hardworking, helpful, and always willing to collaborate.
👉 But to peers or subordinates, they may be rude, passive-aggressive, manipulative, or even downright cruel.

These individuals are master manipulators, tailoring their behavior to suit the moment. They might gaslight their colleagues, making them doubt their own judgment. They may manipulate or pit employees against each other, or shift blame with a smile—often to escape accountability. What’s more dangerous is how their charming exterior can make their toxic behaviors difficult to spot.

But here’s the problem: Toxicity is contagious. When left unchecked, toxic behaviors spread beyond just one individual, affecting everyone around them. Colleagues who work closely with a toxic employee are more likely to start exhibiting similar behaviors themselves. This contagion leads to rising burnout, eroding trust, and a decline in team morale. Eventually, the talented employees—the ones who care about the work and the environment—leave, seeking healthier workplaces.

What makes this issue even more complex is the culture of fear that can arise. Employees may feel unsafe providing honest feedback, especially if they fear or believe their concerns will be dismissed. If the toxic individual has already ingrained themselves with leadership, this fear amplifies the toxicity and creates an environment of mistrust.

So, the result? A workplace that seems to have a toxic culture—but is actually suffering because of a few individuals whose actions are undermining everything that’s been built.

💡What can leaders do?
✔️ Address toxicity at all levels—leaders, teams, and individual employees.
✔️ Create safe spaces for employees to voice concerns without fear.
✔️ Actively monitor team dynamics and encourage open, transparent communication.
✔️ Train leaders to identify manipulative behaviors and foster an environment where employees can speak up.

Remember, a truly healthy workplace isn’t just about avoiding toxic leaders; it’s about rooting out toxicity wherever it arises—whether in a leader, team member, or even a single toxic individual.