How to deal with toxic employees

Toxic staff can wreak havoc in the workplace; causing talent to move elsewhere and generally fostering a culture that makes people not want to come into work.

Not only that, difficult employees can cost the average business more than £9,400 per year, mostly due to loss of co-workers who can no longer tolerate the atmosphere, a recent report from Harvard Business School found.

So, how should co-workers and employers best deal with someone that causes stress?

One method is to avoid hiring toxic individuals in the first place, however, that is easier said than done. David Williams, CEO of software company, Fishbowl, proposes a solution at the interview process. As reported in The Telegraph, Williams screens candidates for what he calls "the seven non-negotiable qualities to prevent a bad hire". These consist of respect, belief, loyalty, commitment, trust, courage and gratitude.