It is not an easy feat to hire the right employee. You cannot find a good employee by going through his or her resume. Knowing the following signs of a bad employee helps a manager identify a bad hiring decision soon after he makes it.
If an employee comes to office late, leaves early or takes long breaks and does not compensate for that time, he or she shows a lack of commitment. Forgetting important deadlines, pushing forward into meetings late, or started doing work at random hours—all these things show that the employee does not have time management skills. Also, it implies that they do not respect others’ time.
Playing a blame game is unhealthy and highly contagious. A bad employee does not take accountability for his own actions and blames others for his failures. It is always better to start taking ownership of our every action instead of playing an emotional blame game with others. One should know very well that talking about issues we don’t control is a futile thing. Also while blaming others, most often employees use inappropriate language. Using unparliamentary language is bad behavior that an employee should correct immediately because it creates a legal space for harassment and hostile work environment complaints.
Absenteeism is a product of laziness. Many of us tend to think that absenteeism at a workplace is missing a full day of work. It is correct. But we have to look at absenteeism from other angles as well. For example, coming in late to the office is absenteeism. Leaving early is absenteeism. Taking extended breaks is absenteeism. An uninformed absence is absenteeism. Stealing time is absenteeism. If any employee is doing the aforementioned things, he or she is a bad employee or a burden to the company.
As a manager, you should not allow employee absenteeism cost your business time and money. You can put tools in place to create a healthier workplace.
Gossip is a sick form of entertainment. There is a fine line between small harmless talk and hurtful gossip in the workplace. If an employee does gossiping or spreading bad things about others, he or she is actually creating a toxic workplace. In another angle, gossip is an indication that employees don’t feel safe or comfortable enough to come with their complaints to management.
Some firms are very strict in correcting troublesome behavior, while others are more fluid or laid back. If you are a good manager, you will get to know your employees, establish clear and realistic expectations, and provide constructive feedback. If you find a bad employee in your company, help the employee build their self-image and ability to contribute. Talk to them about what they have done well and what their coworkers and you appreciate their performance. Make them realize their potential and encourage them to achieve success in their career.
