Water under the Bridge: How to Overcome Toxic Relationships at Work. The workplace can be stressful enough without adding more. It becomes almost impossible to continue working when you have toxic relationships with your coworkers. Even the most positive and welcoming workplace environment can lead to stress and arguments. One bad apple can turn a team into a dysfunctional mess. Companies, especially those that lack experienced management, often fail to recognize the importance of the relationships their employees form with one another. Even one toxic element can lead to serious consequences. Many employees are left to deal with their problems by themselves. Here are some ways to improve your relationships with toxic coworkers. Direct Approach Taking direct action to resolve any problems you have with coworkers is the best way to do it. Talk about your concerns. The best case scenario is that you will come to an agreement and things will improve. Worst case scenario – you decide to move on to other options, knowing that you can’t reason with this person. But, before you start yelling at someone, be sure to follow some basic rules. You can:

• Be honest;
• Be sincere;
• Be reasonable
• Be understanding.

You must also remember to stay positive at all times. It will not help anyone to lose their voice in a shouting contest. The person in question may not be someone you like. They might be the most irritating person in the world. At this point, your patience may be thin. You can forget everything. You want to solve the problem and not make people feel bad. You’re much more likely to succeed if you approach the conversation with goodwill. You should show them all the kindness you can. Even if you don’t think they deserve it, show them kindness. Talk calmly and politely. Keep the conversation focused. Blaming others and sidetracking to personal insults will only make it worse. Look at the problem from their point of view. It is a good idea to meet halfway. You can take it up if all other attempts to resolve the problem on equal footing fail. It may seem like a big step to speak up to your boss or HR about your concerns. There’s nothing to be anxious about. If your concerns are valid and your coworker is making you feel down, it’s okay to ask for help from higher up in the hierarchy. You only need to convey your message clearly and concisely. Tell the truth about what you are struggling with and why. Offer a solution. This will help you to maintain your reputation with your supervisors as well as help them understand the problem and solve it. Coping is the best way to deal with toxic behavior. Never allow someone to act in a way that you find unacceptable. Do not engage in gossip, backstabbing or snarky comments. You can use frustration to motivate you to greater achievements. Analyze the situation and find better solutions. Keep calm and composed. Accepting that the situation is a temporary one can help you move on for a while. Moving on Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, nothing works. Although there may be many reasons, the answer is always the exact same. Consider quitting if you have tried everything to save the situation. This should not be your first choice. It is an option, however. Your happiness and mental well-being are more important than any job. You can find a new job if you don’t feel at home in your current workplace. Feeling miserable