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How to Deal With Hostile Employees in the Workplace?

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Question added by Amir Mahmoud - CPIM , Planning Lead , Americana Group
Date Posted: 2014/01/08
Deleted user
by Deleted user

Gently with no friction and prolong talk to them

Mohammad Rizwanul Haque
by Mohammad Rizwanul Haque , Administration Manager , Oren Hydrocarbons ME FZCo.

First friendly & politely, and if not fruitful then by force as per rule and regulation.

mohamed sabeen
by mohamed sabeen , QHSE Manager , Novus catering service

Here are top eight tips for dealing with a hostile work environment:

 

1. Be prepared to deal with conflicts as they come up.

Don't get pulled into an argument if you can avoid it; and above all, don't instigate drama with insults, sharp comebacks or other negative words. Troublemakers thrive on those kinds of comments -- and are actually seeking them when they come to your desk to complain. Listen, but be true to your code of values. Use as few words as possible to respond, and say politely that you have a deadline and need to get back to work.

 

2. Extend the hand of friendship.

Sometimes, negative co-workers are simply suffering from poor social skills, trouble at home or an inability to communicate effectively. Rather than reject them, offer to help them solve their problem. Hear them out, think about what they're really trying to say even though they're saying it poorly, and then ask if there's anything you can do to help. But also avoid getting too drawn into their problems when they seek your advice. Point them in the direction of self-help books, career counselors and your company's human resources department. (Don't miss Are Your Work Friends Bringing You Down?)

 

3. Physically remove yourself.

If you can't avoid conflict because an angry co-worker has suddenly charged over to your desk and is confronting you, focus on how to defuse the situation. First, step back mentally. Focus on breathing calmly and collecting your thoughts. Find a diplomatic way to exit the conversation as quickly as possible. Then leave the room and stay away until the heat of the moment has dissipated. Remember, long, circular and accusatory diatribes sap your strength and make it extremely difficult to get back to work and be productive. Once the storm has blown over, avoid spending time with the co-worker.

 

4. Set limits.

True, your role at your company may require you to work with a negative person. Still, you can set limits. Only spend time with the person in a structured setting. Stay buttoned-up and professional -- don't provide a sympathetic audience, which will only encourage the co-worker to feel like you are open to hearing constant complaints. State explicitly that you enjoy your job and think about it in a positive way.

 

5. Keep busy.

Getting back to work is honestly one of the best things you can do to keep yourself grounded in a negative work culture. The requirements of your job are a good reminder that you have something to contribute, that you have skills that you can continue to sharpen and that you're putting up with the negative nonsense for a good reason - your paycheck.

 

6. Seek feedback from positive co-workers.

If you're dealing with a negative work culture, chances are you have co-workers who are just trying to deal with it, too. Finding a sympathetic work buddy who shares your concerns can be a big mood-lifter. Then get away from your desks, share your thoughts over a cup of coffee for10 or15 minutes during your day, and laugh at the craziness of your workplace. You'll feel better knowing you are not alone.

 

7. Form a social committee to boost staff morale.

If you're feeling energetic or motivated to make some real changes in workplace morale, you might want to consider forming a social committee that plans events where you and your co-workers can get to know each other as people. High-paid executives and corporate officers go on fancy retreats to bond and form personal relationships, and a less expensive version of that is a self-funded social committee. You might all surprise yourselves and actually have some fun together, which will pay off when you're back at work.

 

Muhammad Junaid Sadiq
by Muhammad Junaid Sadiq , IT Manager , Imtiyazat Alriyadha General Contracting Company

Solve the reasons which may make an employee hostile-

which may include

* work mates unfair promotion/ increment

* favoritism

* monopoly of certain individuals (most probably belonging to same state/ country)- politics

* less salary as per scale

* late salary payments

* Bossy Boss (Abrasive , opportunist, uncaring and selfish)

Fair and just working environment guarantees efficient and productive employees.

if all else fails you can always fire on disciplinary grounds.

Anita Viherpuro
by Anita Viherpuro , Consultant , Presentte Oy

Hostility is unacceptable and it is police business.

Divyesh Patel
by Divyesh Patel , Assistant Professional Officer- Treasury , City Of Cape Town

Hostile employees are a drain on productivity in the workplace because they consume resources that should be invested in operating a profitable business. Hostile employees range from those who are passive-aggressive, to those who can be belligerent or even violent toward their co-workers. These employees may act like bullies, and the best way to deal with a bully is to take control, and show him who is boss.

 

Give opportunity to hostile employees to improve their behavior. These employees have passion that, if directed correctly, could be a positive force for your business.

Fathima Prem Prem
by Fathima Prem Prem , Team Manager - Support Engineer Manager , Microsoft India R&D Pvt Ltd

Octate or Dictate -

octate - Try to get along and play as one of the string, to understand the reason of hositility. The reasons could be a) complacency due to high tenure or b) over confidence due to the knowledge/experience gained from the role.

> Solution - Raise the bar, throw new challenges that would keep the indicidual on his toes to continue and to prove his proficiency.

Dictate - If the individual is persistent over hositility and fails to raise the bar, dictate the expectation. If it still does not  show any improvement, please show the door.

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