How to Get A Toxic Coworker Fired: 7 Practical Ways to Do it

It’s easy to think that getting a toxic coworker fired is the most heartless thing to think of or instigate in a workplace. But have you considered the havoc or damage this individual can cause to your company and of course, other colleagues?

Well, in this post, we’ll explore some practical ways to get a toxic coworker fired and create a more pleasant and productive work environment.

So if you’re struggling with a terrible coworker making your work life a nightmare, don’t feel alone. To start with, many people have experienced working alongside a toxic colleague.

Of course, such an experience can be tough. And beyond question, it can lead to stress, lowered productivity, and even health issues. While it might feel like there’s no way out of the situation, there are steps you can take to deal with the problem and make things better for you and your team.

So read carefully.

But before we look at these practical steps in detail, let’s look at some first-hand experiences:

How to Get a Toxic Coworker Fired- Kelvin’s Story

So, let me tell you about a man’s experience with some of his coworkers, whose name was Kelvin.

In his over 50 years of working, Kelvin had to report the wrongdoings of three of his colleagues— and all got fired.

But, through his narration, Kelvin stated that he didn’t get any of these coworkers fired. “They got themselves fired,” he said.

How his first coworker got fired

The first case happened while Kelvin was in a boat-building facility. There, he had a guy with whom he shared a shift. Yes, Kelvin had the 4-12 shift while his colleague worked from 12-8.

Unfortunately, this guy was often late, and Kelvin had to stay back until he arrived because of the facility’s 24-hour coverage.

Soon he reported this issue to their supervisor, but the supervisor took no action.

So, Kelvin began documenting the exact time he left on his time sheets and reports. After a month, the general manager called Kelvin in and asked him about the 11 hours of overtime he had in the previous three weeks.

Of course, Kelvin said his colleague is usually late at night. The general manager asked why Kelvin didn’t tell the supervisor. Kelvin showed a sheet with dates and times he called.

They checked phone records and found that the supervisor got the calls. And that led to firing them both.

How the Second Coworker Got Fired

In the second instance, Kelvin caught a coworker red-handed, removing merchandise out of the back door of the store where they both worked.

After Kelvin reported this to the manager, they checked the security video and fired the employee.

The Third Case of How a Coworker Got Fired

More than the preceding two cases, the third instance was more serious.

Kelvin’s coworker bragged about sexually harassing women in their office and gave Kelvin the victims’ names during a road trip.

Kelvin felt a deep sense of sadness in his heart. And that made him report the incident to his boss and played a recording of his coworker boasting about his actions. Internal Affairs found more incidents of harassment by the coworker. He was given the chance to resign, which he took.

Kelvin felt he did the right thing by reporting to the authorities. The coworkers’ actions led to their termination.

7 Practical Ways To Get Your Toxic Fired

Many people don’t have the same passion as Kelvin, who believes in standing up for what’s right. And that may even make it more difficult to notice the misdemeanor of these toxic workers, capable of getting them fired.

But frankly speaking, getting a toxic worker in your company laid off is to first make their toxicity noticeable to people that matter in your company. But the question is, how do you do that without getting yourself into trouble?

As said already, to deal with toxic coworkers, you need to bring their behaviors to the attention of your superiors. Interestingly, here are some ways to do that:

#1. Keep a record

One of the practical ways to put toxic coworkers in their place is to ensure you actively document any instances of their toxic behaviors. That way, you can take control of a negative work environment.

Write down the date, time, and what specifically happened to ensure you have specific examples to provide to your superiors. That’s because you need to have evidence to back up your claims, so keep track of everything you observe or experience.

To achieve this, you need to stay ahead of toxic coworkers. Take a proactive approach by collecting the necessary information. With this, you’ll be better prepared to have toxic coworkers fired and create a more favorable work environment for yourself and your colleagues.

#2. Provide context

While it’s okay to bring up the toxic behavior of your coworker to your superiors, it’s essential to give them context. The context here means letting them know how the behavior it’s affecting you and your colleagues and how it’s impacting the workplace as a whole.

For example, you could explain how a toxic coworker’s behavior is causing a decline in your productivity, lowering morale, and creating a negative work environment. By providing this context, your superiors will appreciate the situation better and be able to take appropriate action.

#3. Be specific

To get toxic coworkers fired, it’s essential to describe their behavior in a clear and specific manner and in the best way you can when bringing it to the attention of your superiors.

In that vein, you ensure you identify the specific behavior causing problems and explain how it goes against company policies or standards.

A good way to do that is to share concrete examples that paint a clear picture of what’s happening, and if you have any evidence, provide it to your superiors. Of course, when you’re precise, you can help your superiors understand the situation better and take appropriate action to address the issue.

#4. Focus on the facts

When describing the toxic behavior of your coworker, it’s vital to stick to the facts. Meanwhile, avoid making assumptions or judgments about their motivations or intentions; instead, focus on how their behavior adversely impacts the workplace.

For example, you could describe how their behavior is causing stress, reducing productivity, or creating an unpleasant work environment. By staying focused on the facts, you can help your superiors understand the situation better and take appropriate action.

#5. Seek support

If you’ve seen toxic behavior from a coworker and want to bring it to the attention of your superiors. Beyond question, it can be helpful to seek support from other colleagues of yours who have witnessed the behavior as well.

It’s true, others can give more examples and support your experiences, making your case stronger.

So when you work together, it creates a clearer picture and makes it easier for superiors to take action. So don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues for support!

#6. Use the appropriate channels

Also, it’s crucial you follow the appropriate channels for reporting the toxic behaviors from a coworker(s) to your superiors.

And that might involve speaking with HR or filing a formal complaint, depending on your company’s policies and procedures. Of course, by following these channels, you can ensure that your concerns are addressed properly and that you’re taking the right steps to resolve the issue.

So take the time to understand the process and make sure you’re following it correctly.

#7. Remain professional

Also, when trying to address the behavior of a toxic coworker, it’s important to remain professional and respectful throughout the process. Essentially, you should avoid making personal attacks or derogatory comments about the coworker.

Instead, stay focused on finding a solution that benefits the workplace as a whole. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a positive work environment where everyone can thrive. 

So even if you’re feeling frustrated or upset, try to stay calm and keep your interactions with your coworker and your superiors respectful and professional.

Final Thoughts

While dealing with a toxic coworker is no easy feat, you don’t have to lose hope! There are ways to address their behaviors and create a more positive work environment (for everyone).

First, keep records of their behavior. Afterward, explain context to your superiors. But don’t forget to give specific examples of policy violations. Also, get support from colleagues who witnessed it. And finally, report through appropriate channels.

Stay professional and focus on finding a workplace solution throughout the process. Toxic behavior can have serious consequences, so it’s vital to take action to address it.