How To Deal With A Coworker Who Is Trying To Get You Fired – 10 Ways

Pathetic coworkers exist in every workplace. But how to deal with a coworker trying to get you fired? Here are some easy ways we will discuss.

A jealous coworker can succumb to your growth and think ill of you. They can do anything to make you suffer, even get you fired in workplace. But worry not, we got you covered.

10 Ways How To Deal With A Coworker Who Is Trying To Get You Fired

We will share some ways to deal with this difficult coworker:

1. Confront Them:

The first step is to confront your coworker. They will not know what is happening if you do not tell them. 

It would help if you were direct and honest with them. Tell them that their behaviour is affecting you and your work.

 Be assertive and firm while still being respectful. If they are rude, do not hesitate to stand up for yourself. 

You can start a conversation like this:

– “I have noticed that you have been trying to get me fired. What is the reason behind this?”

– “I do not appreciate the way you are treating me. It is impacting my work.”

– “I would like to resolve this issue. What can we do to fix this?”

2. Talk To Your Boss:

If the confrontation does not work, then you need to talk to your boss. Be sure to have evidence of the coworker’s behaviour. 

This will help your case. Explain the situation and ask for their help. 

Your boss may be able to talk to the coworker or move them to a different department. 

Bosses usually don’t like drama in the workplace, so they will want to help resolve the situation. 

However, if your boss doesn’t care and tries to blame you, you might need to look for a new job. 

Both your boss and your coworker want you out of the company. Why stay in such a toxic environment if the situation is intense?

However, do so only when the situation is worst, and there is no other option.

3. Keep A Record:

Keep a record of everything the coworker has done to get you fired. This includes:

– Dates

– Time

– Exemplary incidents

– Witnesses

– Chats

– Recordings of calls or CCTVs

This will be helpful if you need to go to HR or the police. It is best to keep a paper trail in case things escalate. 

Otherwise, it will be your word against theirs. And if they have better proof that you are not suitable for the job, you will most likely get fired. 

Thus take precautionary measures beforehand and make a strong case.

4. Avoid Them:

If you can, try to avoid your coworker. Do not engage with them or talk to them.

 This will only aggravate the situation. It is best to stay away and keep your distance.

 If they are talking to you, be polite but do not share any personal information with them. 

You don’t want them to know anything about you that they can use against you.

 The workplace is a politics, and you have to master it now. Start with these simple steps, and you will be just fine.

5. Find Allies:

It is important to have allies in the workplace. These are people who have your back and will support you. If possible, try to find a mentor in the company.

 They can help you navigate the political landscape of the workplace. Additionally, try to build good relationships with other coworkers. 

They can be your sounding board and help you when things get tough. Good allies can help you out in a difficult situation. 

Without allies, you will be isolated and have a tough time dealing with a difficult coworker.

6. Learn To Deal With Stress:

The stress of dealing with a coworker who is trying to get you fired can be overwhelming.

 It is essential to learn how to deal with stress. This includes:

– Meditation

– Exercise

– Yoga

– Breathing exercises

These are all great ways to manage stress. When you are stressed, it can negatively affect your work.

 Thus it is essential to take care of yourself and manage your stress levels.

7. Do Your Job:

Focus on doing your job. Do not let the situation get to you. Stay calm and focused on your work. 

This is the best way to prove that you are suitable for the job. Coworkers trying to get you are usually fired only have one goal: to see you fail. 

Could you not give them the satisfaction? Be the best employee you can be and let your work speak for itself.

 Try to learn new skills and techniques to impress your boss. 

Try to present new and creative ideas. This all will show that you are a valuable member of the team.

8. Talk To HR:

If the situation gets out of hand, you may need to talk to HR. They will be able to investigate the case and take appropriate action. 

Be sure to have your evidence ready when you talk to them. They will want to see it.

 HR is there to help and will want to resolve the situation. 

However, they may not be able to do anything if the coworker has better evidence that you are not suited for the job.

9. Leave If Necessary:

If all else fails, you may need to leave the company. Do not quit your job unless you have another one lined up. 

This is especially true if you have a family to support. Quitting your job without another one lined up can be very stressful.

However, you have to believe in yourself and know that you are worth more than what this company offers you. 

You deserve a job that respects and values you. Many other companies out there will appreciate you for who you are. 

Do not be afraid to take the leap and start searching for a new job.

10. Get A Lawyer:

In extreme cases, you may need to get a lawyer involved. This is usually a last resort. 

If the coworker is making physical threats or harassing you, you may need legal help.

 A lawyer can help you file a restraining order or take other legal action.

 This is usually a last resort and should only be done if all other options have failed.

Dealing with a coworker trying to get you fired can be difficult. However, you can take steps to make the situation more manageable.

Signs A Coworker Is Trying To Get You Fired

There are some signs to watch out for that may indicate a coworker is trying to get you fired:

1. They Are Spreading Rumors About You:

If a coworker is spreading rumors about you, it is usually a sign that they are trying to get you fired.

 They may be saying that you are lazy, incompetent, or challenging to work with. 

Be sure to document any rumors that you hear. This can help you prove your case if things go to court.

2. They Are Sabotaging Your Work:

If a coworker is sabotaging your work, they want you out. This may include :

– Deliberately doing things to make you look bad

– Spreading rumors about you, or

– Refusing to help you with projects

It can potentially make things miserable for you. Likewise, it can also put your job at risk.

 If you think a coworker is sabotaging your work, document it. 

3. They Are Making Physical Threats:

If a coworker is making physical threats, it is a serious matter. 

You may need to get the police or HR involved. This is usually a sign that they will not stop until the company fires you. 

It is illegal, and you have the right to feel safe in your workplace. Look for any signs that a coworker is making physical threats. 

This may include :

– Making fist 

– Stalking you

– Yelling at you

– Making threats of violence

Be sure to document everything and talk to HR or the police if necessary. 

4. They Are Constantly Complaining About You:

If a coworker constantly complains about you, they want the bosses to know that they are not happy with you.

 Complaints may be about your work performance or personality. They want to make it seem like you are not a good fit for the job. 

If a coworker is constantly complaining about you, keep a record. This can help your case if things go to court.

5. They Are Withdrawing From You:

If a coworker is withdrawing from you, it’s a red sign. This includes:

– Not talking to you

– Not inviting you to lunch

– Excluding you from after-work drinks

It may seem like they are just being rude. However, it may also be a sign that they are trying to get you fired. 

If a coworker is withdrawing from you, try to talk to them. If they don’t want to talk, that’s a bad sign.

6. They Are Trying To Get You In Trouble With The Boss:

If a coworker is trying to get you in trouble with the boss, they diminish your image.

 They may try to do this by getting you in trouble for minor things. Your coworker may try to sabotage your relationship with your boss. 

They may create such circumstances that would make you behave irrationally in defense. 

They will go ahead and use this against you. So keep an eye out for such incidents.

7. They Are Teasing You:

If a coworker is teasing you, they try to get a reaction out of you. Teasing can be a form of harassment.

 It can make you feel uncomfortable at work. Some signs include:

– Calling your names

– Making fun of you in front of others

– Stealing your stuff to make working difficult for you

– Deleting your essential files, etc.

If a coworker is teasing you, try to ignore it. If it persists, talk to HR about it. Tell them how it makes you feel.

8. They Tarnish Your Image:

If a coworker is tarnishing your image, they try to make you look bad. They may be saying things about you that are not true.

 They may be telling the boss that you are challenging to work with. This can ruin your career. 

They may even make a scandalous video and post it online to damage your reputation.

 If a coworker is tarnishing your image, keep a record of it. This can help you prove your case if things go to court.

9. They Are Trying To Set You Up:

If a coworker is trying to set you up, they are plotting against you. They may be trying to get you in trouble with the boss. 

Your coworker may be planting evidence to make it look like you did something wrong. They may even try to convince the company to fire you. 

If a coworker is trying to set you up, be careful. Do not let them know that you are onto their scheme. 

Try to collect evidence so that you can prove your innocence.

10. They Are Forcing You To Quit:

This is the most extreme form of wanting you out of the company. If a coworker is forcing you to quit, it is because they want your job.

 They may be making your life difficult so that you will quit. This may include:

– Making working conditions difficult for you

– Sabotaging your work

– Making false complaints about you

Such types of incidents can ruin your career and mental health too. Thus, it is essential to take action against such coworkers.

Conclusion:

If you have a coworker trying to get you fired, it is essential to take action. Talk to HR about the situation. 

Keep a record of the incidents. If necessary, get the police or HR involved. 

Be careful and do not let the coworker know that you are onto their scheme. Try to collect evidence so that you can prove your innocence.