Here’s How to Tell

 

Workplaces are full of different personalities and habits. But how do you know when something is merely annoying or when it crosses the line into toxic territory? It's a question many Fractional Sales Executives face. Recently, I was asked:

“I have an employee who spends all day on their phone, but they always get their work done. Other team members are frustrated. Should I fire them?”

The knee-jerk reaction might be to take swift action, but let’s pause and evaluate. Instead of jumping straight to termination, it's important to ask yourself—and the employee—a series of questions first. Understanding the situation as a Fractional Sales Executive fully is key to determining whether their behavior is simply annoying or genuinely toxic.

1.     Have you spoken to the employee?
Start with a direct conversation. Often, employees aren’t aware that their actions bother others.

2.     Is the employee aware that their behavior is annoying?
If the employee knows, did they respond or change their behavior in any way?

3.     What’s the root cause?
Ask why the employee is on their phone so often. Is it personal, or work-related? Does it impact the quality of their work?

4.     How do other employees spend their time?
Consider if other team members also have habits that might be distracting or annoying, such as chatting, listening to music, or walking around.

5.     Can you adjust the physical environment?
Would rearranging the workspace help? Perhaps a private area for phone calls could resolve the issue.

By addressing these questions, you’ll get a clearer picture. If the behavior is simply irritating but doesn’t affect work quality, it’s a typical case of workplace dynamics where different personalities need to coexist. Think about it this way: Is being on the phone any worse than other small annoyances like chewing gum, music preferences, or adjusting the office thermostat?

 

Now, if you’ve talked to the employee, and the behavior doesn’t improve—or worse, it disrupts the team’s productivity—you might be dealing with something toxic. Toxic workplaces are damaging to morale and can cause lasting harm.

 

But what makes a workplace toxic? According to Wikipedia, a toxic workplace is defined by drama, infighting, and harmful personal battles. It’s often driven by people seeking power, money, or status, and they do so at the expense of others’ well-being and the organization’s success.

A toxic employee can affect everyone, leading to a domino effect of poor behavior. It’s essential to act as a Fractional Sales Executive before the situation spirals.

 

Here are key signs that your workplace might be toxic:

1.     Poor communication

2.     Persistent negative moods

3.     Rumors and gossip

4.     Verbal abuse or hostility

5.     High turnover rates

6.     People taking credit for others' work

7.     Unequal distribution of effort

8.     Constant blame-shifting

If you notice these signs, you’re likely facing more than just an annoying employee—this is toxicity in action.

 

If you find yourself in a toxic environment, it’s important to accept the situation and plan an exit strategy. Adunola Adeshola offers valuable advice: “Accept that your job has become your main source of frustration. Then, focus on moving towards a new opportunity that values your brilliance and contributions.”

Accept that you deserve better and that your skills will shine wherever you go. Toxicity may not improve, but you can position yourself to move forward.

 

In some cases, toxic behavior can cross legal boundaries, requiring a different approach. If there is any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or disability—or if sexual harassment occurs—it’s crucial to address these legally. Companies must take these matters seriously and act swiftly when such issues arise.

 

An annoying habit, like spending too much time on the phone, might not warrant immediate action. But if behavior becomes toxic and harms the workplace culture, leadership and a Fractional Sales Executive must address it quickly. Take the time to assess the situation before reacting—your team will thank you for it.

 

By asking the right questions and taking the proper steps as a Fractional Sales Executive, you can distinguish between an annoying behavior and a toxic one, ensuring that your workplace remains a healthy, productive environment.