LET’S TALK ABOUT “THAT” COWORKER

Hindi mo matatakasan ‘yan, friend. No matter how much you love your job, may isang bagay na parang laging nakabuntot sa’yo: the difficult coworker. Yung tipong ang ganda na sana ng araw mo, tapos biglang may makakasalubong ka na parang black hole na sumisipsip ng lahat ng good vibes. Nakaka-drain, diba?

Whether they’re a certified chismosa, a negative Nancy, or just plain weird, these office villains can quickly turn a good day into a bad one. The good news is you don’t have to let them ruin your workday or your sanity. The key is to know who you’re dealing with and use the right strategy.

So tara, let’s talk about the four most common types of toxic officemates and how to deal with them.

The Certified Emo: The Negative Coworker

We all have that one officemate na parang laging may invisible na “hugot” sign sa noo. No matter what the situation is, they can always find a reason why it won’t work. New project? They predict failure. Big client? They’re already pointing out what’s going to go wrong.

Why They’re So Draining. Their constant negativity spreads like a virus. It can discourage you and the team from speaking up, being creative, and taking risks. Worse, it can chip away at your confidence and leave you second-guessing your contributions.

How to Deal. Don’t engage with their negativity. Redirect their criticism into problem-solving. When they say something won’t work, ask, “So, what’s a better way to do it?” or “What solution do you suggest?” By pushing them to be constructive, you prevent endless complaining and may even uncover useful insights.

The Office Tsismosa: The Gossipy Coworker

Every office has a gossip. Sila ‘yung laging updated sa latest chika—sino ang bagong jowa ni “ano,” bakit nag-resign si “ganyan,” at sino ang may kaaway sa ibang department. They may act like they’re just concerned, but their real goal is to collect and spread information.

Why They’re a Problem. Getting tangled in office gossip wastes time and can damage your reputation. If you share personal details or honest thoughts about a colleague, there’s a strong chance they’ll repeat it elsewhere, often with a twist. Soon, you may find yourself at the center of unwanted drama.

How to Deal. The simplest rule? Don’t engage. Keep your responses neutral when they fish for details. If they press, politely change the subject or excuse yourself. For your reputation, less is more.

The Pusher: The Overly-Competitive Coworker

Competition can be motivating, but an overly competitive coworker may not be looking to collaborate. They’re looking to win at any cost. They may hog credit, undermine others, or even sabotage teammates if it gives them an edge.

Why They’re So Toxic. They create a toxic atmosphere of mistrust. Instead of sharing resources, ideas, and feedback openly, you may hold back for fear they’ll misuse your work. Collaboration, a key component of most workplaces, becomes increasingly challenging.

How to Deal. Recognize that their competitiveness often comes from insecurity. Frame your work as a collaboration, not a competition. Make it clear you’re on the same team and that their success doesn’t come at your expense. Protect yourself by documenting your contributions through shared emails or project notes so your accomplishments are clear.

The Office Bully: The Pushy Bully

Nakakainis but true, some people bring toxic behaviors into the workplace, using intimidation, harsh emails, or public put-downs to control others.

Why They’re So Damaging. Workplace bullies can seriously damage morale, productivity, and your mental health. Their behavior creates a culture of fear where people avoid speaking up, sidestep risks, and sometimes even stop showing up to work.

How to Deal. Avoid engaging directly with them. Don’t feed their aggression or try to fight fire with fire. Instead, document their behavior. Save hostile emails, record inappropriate comments, and note specific incidents. If their actions cross a line, bring your documentation to HR or a manager.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, you’re not in the office to make friends with everyone. You’re there to do your job well and grow your career. You can’t control how others act, but you can control how you react. Huwag mo hayaang sirain nila ang peace of mind mo. Always remember, you’re a professional, a team player, and a great person. Sila ang may problema, hindi ikaw.

Action Plan

Identify the “type”: Alamin mo kung anong klaseng toxic officemate ang ka-deal mo.
Set your boundaries: Refrain from participating in gossip or engaging with negativity.
Document: Para may resibo ka, just in case.
Protect yourself: Take care of your mental health. If you can’t, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your options.

So, ano? Ready ka na ba ulit pumasok bukas?

Article by: Engr. Jomel J. Kawi

References

Dealing with Toxic Colleagues. (n.d.). balancedatlast.com. https://balancedatlast.com/toxiccolleagues/

Robinson, Bryan (2025). How Office Gossip About Coworkers Can Create A Toxic Work Culture. Forbes.

The dangers of office gossip. (2025). Unknown Journal.

Castrillon, Caroline (2025). Pros and Cons of Workplace Competition in 2025. Unknown Journal.