How do you deal with a coworker who is undermining you?
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 29, 2026
First off, confront the people talking about you. If you know who they are, have a simple talk with each person one-on-one, and explain that you want the behavior to stop. This is often the most effective way to solve the problem. But if your plea falls on deaf ears, take it up the chain of command.
How do you tell if your coworker is undermining you?
Here are 15 signs that your coworker is undermining you:
- They’re more than just competitive.
- They plant things in your head.
- They gossip — a lot.
- They spread rumors about you.
- They take credit for your work.
- They’re overstepping their rank.
- They socially undermine you.
- They’re subtle.
How do you deal with a toxic co employee?
Tricks for Dealing With Toxic Colleagues
- Know when a line has been crossed.
- Set boundaries.
- Try to confront your co-worker directly.
- If you need to escalate, do it strategically.
- Don’t be the problem.
- Keep in mind your colleague is a person, too.
What is undermining behavior?
Undermining or bullying behaviour is behaviour that makes you feel harassed, offended or socially excluded, and that affects your work. Examples of undermining behaviour include: Belittling someone in public, humilating them or accusing them of lack of effort.
How to deal with a coworker who is undermining others?
Confront the coworker. When you confront your boss, they will most likely ask what you have done to resolve the issue. Therefore, try to confront the coworker beforehand about the issue. Try to resolve the issue with the coworker first, but make sure that you don’t have a confrontational attitude. Instead, be direct and respectful.
Are there any victims of undermining at work?
To victims of undermining at work, it’s undeniably a pretty big deal. , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Compared to bullying and harassment, it’s really no big deal. And yet to victims of undermining behaviour in the workplace, it’s undeniably a pretty big deal. That’s because they’re – at first – oblivious to it.
What to do if your coworker is actively sabotaging you?
A coworker in the workplace that actively undermines you and your other coworkers is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with correctly. Determine if your coworker is actively sabotaging you and your coworkers by taking note of their behaviors and actions.
How to help your boss see how a coworker is?
Save all emails where you have contributed original ideas and work. Determine if the coworker oversteps their rank. Often times, undermining coworkers will overstep their boundaries. They will act as if they are superior to your and your coworkers, even if you are all equals.