Blog Layout

How To Deal With Difficult Employees

Drewbie Wilson • March 30, 2023

"Dealing with a difficult employee is inevitable. But if you handle the situation correctly, you can improve the work environment for everyone involved. So, always stay calm, professional, and consistent in your actions."

Was there a time when every employee was a model worker? When people generally enjoyed their jobs and looked forward to coming to work each day? Those days are long gone.


Nowadays, there is always at least one difficult employee in every workplace. This can make things challenging for everyone else and make the work environment unpleasant.


Also, it is a reflection on the management if there is an employee who is consistently causing problems.


It is common for difficult employees to have the following traits:


*They're always late or absent

*They're constantly arguing with co-workers or management

*They're not productive and don't do their fair share of work

*They're disruptive and cause problems for others

*They have a negative attitude and are always complaining


If you find yourself dealing with a difficult employee, there are some things you can do to try to improve the situation.


1. Talk to the employee

The first step is to talk to the employee and try to get to the root of the problem. There may be something going on in their personal life that is causing them to act out at work. Or, there may be a problem with their job that they could be happier with. If you can identify the problem, you can find a solution.


2. Set clear expectations

If the employee needs to meet your expectations, set clear standards and let them know what you expect from them. It is essential to be specific and give concrete examples of what you consider to be acceptable behavior. And be sure to follow up with the employee to ensure they meet your expectations.


3. Use disciplinary action

If the employee is not responding to your attempts to improve the situation, you may need to take disciplinary action. This could include a warning, suspension, or even termination. But, document the employee's behavior and allow them to improve before taking such drastic measures.


4. Offer support

If the employee is having personal problems, offer them support. This could include counseling, time off, or other assistance. Sometimes, all an employee needs little understanding and help to get back on track. Also, be sure to let other employees know you are there to support them if they are ever going through a difficult time.


5. Be consistent

It is essential to be consistent with all your employees, regardless of whether they are easy to work with. This means applying the same rules and expectations to everyone. If you make an exception for a difficult employee, it will only make the situation worse.


6. Seek help from HR

If you have tried everything and the situation needs to improve, you may need help from your HR department. They can guide how to deal with the situation and may even be able to help resolve the problem. Also, if the employee is causing a hostile work environment, HR can take steps to protect other employees.


7. Let them go

If all else fails, you may need to let the employee go. This is usually a last resort, but sometimes it's the only way to improve the situation. If an employee is consistently causing problems and needs to respond to your attempts to help, they may not be a good fit for your workplace. And that's OK.


8. Be positive

It is important to stay positive, even when dealing with a difficult employee. Remember, this is just one person, and they should not be allowed to ruin your work environment. Also, remember that most employees are good people just trying to do their best. So, do not let one bad apple spoil the bunch.


9. Take a break

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the situation, take a break. Step away from the situation for a little while and clear your head. You may even want to take a vacation or leave of absence if the situation stresses you out. Just communicate with your boss and let them know what's going on.


Dealing with a difficult employee can be challenging. Following these tips can help turn things around and create a better work environment for everyone.


And remember, dealing with a difficult employee is inevitable. But if you handle the situation correctly, you can improve the work environment for everyone involved. So, always stay calm, professional, and consistent in your actions.


Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I hope you find this information valuable and make time to implement it in your life. If you enjoyed this, please check back and share it with others.


If you are tired of feeling stuck, burnt out, or as though you have plateaued and are looking to take the next step towards becoming the most elite version of yourself, I invite you to check out my services. We can work on identifying and creating a system and process to help you turn your life and business into a well-oiled machine!


If you have any questions or want to learn more about working one-on-one with me, CLICK HERE!


Crush The Day Before It Crushes You!

Drewbie Wilson | Motivational Blogs

Woman trying to practice work-life balance
By Drewbie Wilson September 1, 2023
The journey of finding balance may be fraught with challenges, but the rewards are worth the effort. With one foot firmly planted in the present and the other stretching out towards a brighter future, you can unlock harmony on your terms and create an extraordinary life!
Woman showing her work habits
By Drewbie Wilson August 30, 2023
It is not about big, overnight transformations; it Is about the daily choices and routines that shape your path to success.
More Posts
Share by: