From gossip to manipulation: Ankur Warikoo shares 7 expert tips to avoid toxic people at work

Toxic colleagues are more than just annoying—they can drain your energy, stress you out, and make even the easiest tasks feel impossible. Ankur Warikoo, reflecting on his experiences with difficult people in work and life, breaks down how to navigate these energy-draining situations without losing your peace or productivity. His advice isn’t about confrontation—it’s about staying smart, calm, and in control, so you can protect your energy and focus on your growth.

Distancing yourself

Warikoo’s first tip is to distance yourself emotionally. Toxic people thrive on drama, gossip, and manipulation, often treating every interaction like a performance. The key is not to engage, keeping your work and sanity at the forefront.

Avoid reactions

Next, he suggests letting them talk. It sounds counterintuitive, but avoiding reactions—like nodding, maintaining eye contact, or arguing—allows them to burn out their own energy without dragging you into the chaos.

Documentation

Document everything is another crucial strategy. Keeping clear records of instructions, decisions, and conversations helps you stay objective and provides proof if someone later denies or misrepresents what happened.

Observe top leaders

Warikoo also emphasises observing company leadership. If top leaders don’t mirror toxic behaviours, it’s often not a reflection of company culture but of the individual. In cases where toxicity threatens the team, reaching out to leadership via email or one-on-one meetings ensures the issue is addressed confidently and professionally.

Positivity

Surrounding yourself with positivity is vital. Friends, mentors, family, or hobbies outside of work act as a buffer against negative energy, reminding you that toxic behaviour reflects the other person’s nature, not your worth.

Stay or leave

Sometimes, the smartest choice is to decide whether to stay or leave. Some organisations have entrenched toxic cultures that cannot be fixed. Protecting your growth, mental peace, and career trajectory should take priority over staying for a paycheck.

Empathy

Finally, Warikoo encourages empathy. Understanding that most toxic people aren’t born that way—and may not even realise their behaviour—can help you navigate interactions with more patience and less emotional strain.