Hopefully, your work environment is filled with great managers and full of supportive co-workers. But even if you have a good working relationship with most of your colleagues, you might occasionally come across a negative co-worker.

You may know the type; a co-worker who hates the job and thinks the boss is a jerk. Maybe you have dealt with a colleague who always slacks off or is a gossip monger.

If you have ever been around someone who is always exuding negativity, you know it can be annoying. But that’s not all – in some instances, dealing with a negative co-worker can create a toxic work environment.

Working with negative people can have several effects on your work life. For example, if you always hear your co-worker complaining, it can bring you down. Having a co-worker who does not do his or her fair share of work may mean an increased workload for you. Lastly, a colleague who is rude or abrasive can make you dread going to work.

Dealing with Negativity at Work

You probably can’t quit your job or move to another state, so what can you do? The first thing to consider is whether your co-worker is just annoying or if he is violating the law. Harassment or creating a hostile work environment is against the law. Consider what your co-worker does that’s creating a bad work environment. Gossiping and being negative all the time is very different from harassment.

If you think the behavior is harassment or abusive, you need to go to your supervisor and human resources. Laws protect you from having to put up with a hostile work environment.

In cases where a colleague’s behavior is not harassment, just more of a nuisance, there are still several things that can help you deal with the situation effectively:

Go to the source: Consider talking to your colleague to let her know how you feel. In some instances, your co-worker may not realize what she is doing is creating a negative work environment. Try to approach your colleague in a positive manner and discuss how you want to work together to improve your work environment. Avoid an accusatory tone and insults, which won’t get you very far.

Limit interactions if possible: At work, you may not always have the option of deciding whom you want to be around. If you must work with a challenging colleague daily, try to balance it out by being around other co-workers who are positive and uplifting.

If you’re in a situation that contact can be reduced or is optional, limit your interactions. For instance, if you only see a negative coworker in the breakroom or in passing, it might be easy to keep your distance. While you don’t want to start hiding or going out of your way to avoid someone, you don’t have to volunteer to be around him, either.

Don’t take things personally: It’s easy to get caught up in emotions when you’re dealing with someone who is difficult. But in many cases, your co-worker’s behaviors say more about him/her than you. For example, when people are angry or like to create drama, it’s often due to issues in their life and not about you. Sometimes just keeping perspective and letting things roll off your back is the best way to handle a situation.

Call for backup: If you have tried everything and the situation is still making your work life suffer, consider talking things over with your supervisor. Your supervisor can decide if they need to have a talk with your colleague or help diffuse the situation.

Focus on the positive: It’s almost impossible to avoid all negativity in life. Just turn on the evening news, and you’ll get a good dose of everything that is wrong in the world. But remember, there is also a lot of good. The key is not to focus on the negative. The same goes for your work environment. Instead of dwelling on an annoying colleague, spend your time concentrating on the positive aspects of your job.