You might recognize this scenario: Your company has a highly productive employee who frequently generates more revenue for the business than any other employee. This employee, however, exhibits actions that are detrimental to your workplace culture. But did you know that one toxic co-worker is more damaging than several less productive ones?
According to a Harvard study, hiring one highly productive “toxic worker” negatively impacts a company’s bottom line more than hiring several less productive but cooperative employees.
The Toxic Co-Worker
Employees who are toxic don’t care about the objectives of the company or fostering relationships with coworkers. Toxic employees are more than just bullies in the workplace; they are clever and cunning.
A worker that engages in behavior that is harmful to an organization, including either its property or people.
Michael Housman and Dylan Minor, Harvard Business School
Employees who are toxic don’t care about the objectives of the company or fostering relationships with coworkers. Toxic employees are more than just bullies in the workplace; they are clever and cunning.
Behavior is contagious. We find that when a toxic person joins a team, others are more likely to behave in a toxic fashion.
– Michael Housman, Harvard Business School
Minor noted that client customer surveys show that toxic employees tend to harm a company’s reputation for providing excellent customer service, which has a long-term financial impact that can be challenging to quantify.
The study also calculated the difference between hiring a rock star, defined as a worker in the top 1% of productivity, and the value of keeping away a toxic employee.
The results show that by avoiding hiring a toxic employee, businesses can save an average of $12,489 by preventing potential litigation costs and declining employee morale. (Source: Ere Media: Talent Management & HR)
The Specifics of the Study
According to the Harvard study, toxic workers are more productive than typical employee. This helps to explain why toxic employees can stay with their organizations as well as how superstar athletes who are bad in the locker room or have off the field issues, for instance, can stay with their teams.
While toxic employees are more productive, meaning getting more things done, the quality of that productivity often is less than desirable.
Michael Housman, Harvard Business School
Organizations frequently have to decide whether to fire a high-performing toxic employee to boost team morale. How many can do that versus turning a blind eye because the employee’s numbers were too good? ”
The toxic employees are top performers because they’ve literally become know-it-alls. As a result of their behaviors, they pick up valuable pieces of information along the way. Skills can be taught or developed, but honesty and integrity are found from within. Holding on to employees who are resistant to change and growth, can result in toxic behaviors as those employees try to survive.
Candida Seasock, Founder of CTS & Associates
However, there is a limit to how much of these actions can be accepted. But eventually, negative behavior wins out over excellent performance. (Source: Ere Media: Talent Management & HR)
Image from Inc