Research demonstrates when people are envious, they are less willing to share information and become more likely to engage in sabotage and socially undermining behaviors. They often refrain from helping others, are less open with the team and disengage from their work, leading to a decline in performance.
What do you do when someone is jealous of you at work?
It can be tough to deal with other people's jealousy or envy – but here are some practical things you can try: Be polite and civil. Don't stoop to their level – it could make the situation worse (and could lead to you getting into trouble at work). Offer help and support (if they'll let you).
What is a Toxic Coworker? A toxic coworker creates havoc for everyone around them at work. The person might be adding more work onto others, displaying rude behavior, or simply not doing their share of the workload. Fortunately, toxic coworkers are not all bad; sometimes, they're just having an off day.
They're openly resentful of you — or worse, talk about you behind your back. If you can cut the tension with a knife every time you join meeting or conversation, there's a good chance your colleagues are jealous. Even worse, you might hear from others that the same people are talking about you behind your back.
How do you protect yourself from a jealous coworker?
Strategy
Keep your talks on a high and friendly level. Don't get into an argument, especially not with others present.
Convey that each person's effort is judged on its own merit. One's work isn't good because someone else's is bad, or valuable because someone else's is not valuable. ...
They display defensive body language (folding their arms or glazing over you when you talk). They do not smile around you, turn their back when they see you walk past, or maintain poor eye contact. They do not acknowledge your presence in meetings and rarely approach you with work-related questions.
Raises, promotions, and incorrect paychecks are all big reasons to stand up for yourself at work. You deserve to be fairly compensated for what you bring to the table. If, for whatever reason, you feel like you are getting less than you should it's important to start a conversation at your workplace.
Manipulators establish a baseline when they talk to you and ask questions; they're not caring or considerate - they're using your words and body language to detect weaknesses. Then, they will use these for their gain - or simply for their amusement. It's always your fault, and never theirs.
Some of the various signs of jealousy might be accusations, suspicions, questioning your behavior or day-to-day activities, having negativity towards partner's relationships, comparing themselves to others, and more.
In a weird way, jealousy can be used as a “red flag” to “encourage you to do a little self-exploration.” That is, if you can acknowledge it before it becomes toxic to your relationship. Degges-White says, "Simply put, jealousy is motivated by fear.
Professional jealousy is the constant envy of goal-oriented people or others' prosperity. It's a universal experience and within the bounds of human nature. It's a feeling that's rarely spoken about because we worry that sharing our envious thoughts will make us seem petty or selfish.
Provide clear feedback. Instead of complaining about disrespectful employees, give them feedback. Explain what the issues are and how they need to improve. Be clear about what needs to change and how they can make those changes.
