11 signs you can't trust your coworkers by Áine Cain on Jun 29, 2017, 12:44 PM Advertisement
 It's crucial that you recognize duplicitous individuals in your workplace — they have the potential to damage your career. You're particularly at risk if you work in a low-trust environment. Brandon Smith, a workplace therapist, consultant, and professor, writes on his blog that such work climates are distinguished by high-pressure competition among employees, bosses that play favorites, rampant gossip, a lack of cooperation, and frequent instances of food being stolen from the break room fridge (no, seriously). Any of that sound familiar? Fortunately, there are ways to improve such a toxic climate. "Have regular company meetings to make everyone is aware of business goals and any upcoming changes," Carolyn Betts Fleming, founder and CEO of recruiting and talent firm Betts Recruiting, tells Business Insider. "Implement frequent opportunities for feedback. Giving people the chance to openly air their concerns and express praise will foster a positive working environment." However, in most cases, it will take a manager or another higher-up to diffuse a low-trust environment, as the behavior like comes from the top. In the meantime, here are some clear warning signs you can't trust your coworkers: SEE ALSO: 11 signs your coworkers don't respect you They're envious  Watch out for anyone displaying signs of what's been called the least fun of the seven deadly sins — envy — writes Dr. Neel Burton in Psychology Today. Envy is a universal trait. However, if left unchecked in the workplace, it leads to problems. Envious people desire what their successful colleagues have, leading to resentment, shortsightedness, and toxic relationships.
They're dishonest  Here's a shocker: You can't trust dishonest coworkers. Crazy, right? If you regularly catch a coworker lying, or they steal credit for your work, they're probably a dishonest person. If you're not sure, shifting details and defensive behavior are two red flags, writes PayScale's Anne Holub. Keep in mind, even if their lies don't directly affect you, they've already proven themselves untrustworthy. You can't depend on liars to keep your best interests at heart.
They gossip  A little bit of workplace gossip among friends is normal. But it's a bad sign when a colleague seems overly preoccupied with gossiping. Rumors can harm reputations and others' feelings, so steer clear. Plus, the old middle school adage applies here. If the person gossiping is talking to you about other people behind their backs, they're probably talking to others behind yours. According to Business Insider's Lindsay Dodgson, the best way to deal with rumor-merchants is to put on a confident front and only approach the gossip or your supervisor after careful consideration. "If you don't find it too hurtful, you can try talking about the rumors as if it doesn't bother you at all," Dodgson writes. "If there is truth to the gossip, then you can admit to it, and make clear the problems have been rectified."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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