Photo by Vojtech Okenka from Pexels We've all had jobs we didn't like or firms we didn't want to work for. Most of us have been able to drag ourselves out of bed and into the office to do our duties. But, once there, are you going through the motions with your head down or complicating matters for yourself and your employer? A toxic worker is someone who intentionally engages in disruptive or destructive activities to people or property. These individuals are dubbed "toxic" because their level of deliberate negativity often spills over into the people and surroundings around them. Exhibiting indicators that you despise your job is not the same as showing signs that you are a toxic employee.

You Make Complaints

Complaints regarding work are not commonplace. Even people who appreciate what they do may find themselves bending a friend's or loved one's ear to get something off their chest. When it comes to workplace complaints, there is a proper and wrong ways to go about it.

It will be noticed if you obtain an unexpected task and quickly complain about it. You may not know it, but whining about unexpected work is branding you as someone with a low work ethic. You've crossed the line if you can find a cause to complain about nearly anything to anybody who will listen. A toxic employee will complain loudly about being assigned assignments that are within the scope of their work or about a supervisor or colleague. You're spreading negativity all around you if you realize you don't care who hears your complaints.

You Have Gossip

Gossiping about coworkers is not acceptable in the workplace. Even if you work with a close friend or confidant, the rumor spreads. If you spend your time criticizing people or focusing on the bad, you'll create a similar reputation.

Office gossip is readily identified, and it doesn't take long for your coworkers to determine they don't trust you and don't want to build a connection with you.

Depending on your position inside the organization, gossiping might cost you your job. Those in confidential finance or human resources cannot afford to be perceived as gossip.

You Are Less Productive Than Your Coworkers

Everyone's eight hours aren't always the same. If you consistently perform the bare minimum to retain your job, you are not developing yourself into a valued employee. If you have a "to-do" list or a series of emails that require replies but choose to play on Facebook instead, you are doing a disservice to everyone around you.

Employees who do just enough to get by seldom recognize that the job they don't get to or refuse to accomplish falls on the shoulders of others. Your team colleagues will most likely grow irritated with you since you do half of what they do.

Nobody Wants to Work with You

A genuinely toxic employee will fail to recognize that others do not want to work with them. While they may not directly hear these remarks, the HR leader or their supervisor most certainly will. It is fairly unusual for leaders to get feedback indicating that their staff would prefer to work with someone more talented or capable.

Work teams seldom complain about someone who works hard but has strong opinions or who expects a lot of herself and others. These folks may have more difficult personalities to manage, but they get the job done. When coworkers or customers refuse to work with you, you know your toxicity has reached a critical level.

You Do Not Follow The Rules

Are you often late for work and don't explain why to your boss? Do you eat longer meals without being asked? Do you depart early if you want to yet lack permission?

Workplace policies and procedures are in place for a purpose. Their goal is to provide balance, equality, and structure to a work announcement. If you disregard the rules or believe you are above them, you are instilling that belief in others. One of two things is very likely to occur:

1. Your coworkers will grow irritated with you and perceive you to be lethargic or unpleasant.

2. If you disregard existing regulations and no one holds you responsible, your coworkers may see you as receiving preferential treatment and despise you.

In any case, it's not going to help your professional connections at work.

You've Got a Lot of Excuses

Do you accept responsibility for missing a deadline or do you blame someone or anything else? A toxic employee will have a ready-made justification for practically every circumstance. Employees that make long excuses for everything become a burden to work with, whether it's because they loathe hearing criticism or because they dread failing.

When your reasons for why you can't accomplish something exceed the times you get things done, coworkers and bosses notice.

Toxic personnel can deplete workplace morale and lower the quality of work produced by an organization. No employee is flawless, but showing the indicators of a toxic worker is a definite way to jeopardize your career. Examine your workplace actions to ensure you're setting yourself up for success.