HR leaders

The problem

As an HR leader, you understand the importance of identifying underperformers and toxic employees early on to maintain a positive company culture and team dynamics. However, managing underperforming or toxic employees can present several challenges. Here are some of the common challenges that HR leaders face.

  • Be mindful of potential legal risks associated with managing underperforming or toxic employees, especially if you need to terminate their employment. To minimize the risk of legal action, it's crucial to follow the appropriate procedures and documentation requirements.

  • Underperforming or toxic employees can have a negative impact on employee morale and productivity, creating additional challenges for you. You may need to find ways to address the issue while also supporting the rest of the team.

  • If underperformance or toxicity is not addressed effectively, it can lead to turnover and the loss of valuable employees. As an HR leader, you may need to find ways to retain high-performing employees while addressing the underlying issues.

  • You must ensure that your organization complies with relevant laws and regulations related to employee management, such as those related to discrimination, harassment, and disability accommodations. It's important to stay up-to-date with changes to these laws and take appropriate actions to ensure compliance.

Why it’s important to address this problem

As an HR leader, you understand the importance of managing underperforming or toxic employees effectively. The consequences of not addressing these issues can be significant, affecting productivity, employee morale, and the organization's reputation. Failure to take action can also lead to potential legal risks related to discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination. That's why it's critical for you to follow appropriate procedures and documentation requirements to minimize legal risks while finding ways to address the issue and support the rest of the team. By managing these challenges in a timely and effective manner, you can mitigate negative impacts on productivity, morale, legal compliance, and reputation, while retaining top talent and ensuring a positive workplace culture.

How do some HR leaders handle the problem today?

  • HR leaders may try to address performance or behavior issues informally, without going through the proper HR processes. This can create legal risks for the organization, as it may be seen as discriminatory or unfair treatment. Additionally, informal conversations may not be documented properly, making it difficult to track progress or escalate the issue if necessary.

  • Some HR leaders may try to address all performance or behavior issues in the same way, without taking into account individual differences or the specific context of the situation. This can lead to ineffective solutions that do not address the root cause of the problem.

  • HR leaders may be tempted to focus solely on punishing underperforming or toxic employees, without considering ways to support and coach them toward improvement. This can create a negative work environment and may not be effective in addressing the underlying issues.

Ineffective approaches to managing underperforming or toxic employees tend to be reactive, informal, and lacking in a structured process. They may not take into account the unique circumstances of each situation, and may not involve clear communication, documentation, or tracking of progress. As a result, they may be ineffective in addressing the root causes of the problem and may create additional legal or reputational risks for the organization.

How can ManageBetter help?

Managing underperforming or toxic employees can be a significant challenge that impacts various aspects of your organization. Fortunately, ManageBetter offers a range of solutions to help you address these pain points.

  • With ManageBetter, you can easily track and monitor employee performance and behavior in real-time. This tool allows you to identify issues faster and more accurately, so you can address them promptly.

  • ManageBetter streamlines communication and feedback, making it easier to address performance and behavior issues. It provides a centralized platform for feedback, ensuring all communication is documented.

  • ManageBetter provides real-time data and analytics that you can use to make data-driven decisions. You can identify trends and patterns in employee behavior that may indicate underlying issues. Our analytics deliver insights to prepare for tough performance conversations, promotion recommendations, challenging layoff decisions, and more.

  • By addressing toxic behaviors through tailored performance improvement plans, we help minimize legal and financial risks. Our plans demonstrate that you made a good-faith effort to assist the employee in improving their performance and behavior. With ManageBetter, you can take corrective action early and ensure that your team continues to perform at its best and mitigate potential legal and financial risks.

By using ManageBetter, you can manage underperforming or toxic employees more effectively, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.