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Workplace sabotage happens more often than people realize, and it’s not always obvious. Some co-workers use subtle tactics to undermine others, creating unnecessary stress and tension. Whether it’s taking credit for your work or spreading rumors, these behaviors can damage careers. The worst part? Many of these actions fly under the radar, making it difficult to call them out. Here are six sneaky ways co-workers sabotage each other at work—and how to spot them.
1. Stealing Credit for Your Work
One of the most frustrating forms of workplace sabotage is when a co-worker takes credit for your ideas or efforts. They might subtly rephrase your suggestions in meetings as if they were their own. Sometimes, they’ll position themselves as the key player on a project you worked hard on, downplaying your contributions. This kind of sabotage can impact your reputation, making it seem like you’re not pulling your weight. Over time, it can affect promotions and opportunities for growth. If you notice this happening, document your contributions and speak up before someone else takes all the glory.
2. Withholding Important Information
Some co-workers sabotage others by purposely keeping crucial information to themselves. They may “forget” to forward an important email or leave out key details about a project deadline. This puts you at a disadvantage, making it harder to perform your job effectively. When mistakes happen because you didn’t have the right information, it makes you look unreliable. Meanwhile, the sabotaging co-worker appears competent and in control. To counter this, double-check details and keep records of communication to ensure you’re not left in the dark.
3. Gossiping and Spreading Rumors
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Office gossip isn’t just annoying—it can be a calculated form of sabotage. Some co-workers spread rumors to damage your reputation or make you look unprofessional. They may exaggerate small mistakes, create false narratives about your work ethic, or stir up personal drama. Even if the gossip isn’t true, perception is powerful, and it can affect how managers and colleagues view you. This kind of sabotage can make the workplace toxic and create unnecessary tension. The best defense is to stay professional and avoid engaging in gossip yourself.
4. Giving Fake Praise While Undermining You
Some co-workers sabotage others by pretending to be supportive while secretly working against them. They might compliment you in public but then criticize your work to the boss behind closed doors. They may also frame their feedback in a way that makes you seem less competent, using phrases like, “They did a great job, considering they were struggling.” This creates doubt about your abilities without outright attacking you. Over time, these subtle jabs can affect how others perceive your skills and work performance. Watch out for people who seem overly nice but consistently make you look bad in front of higher-ups.
5. Sabotaging Team Efforts
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Some people deliberately slow down team projects or create unnecessary roadblocks to make others look bad. They might “accidentally” miss deadlines, ignore emails, or pretend they didn’t understand instructions. This forces their teammates to pick up the slack, making the team look unorganized or inefficient. In the worst cases, they may deliberately submit subpar work to make the entire group appear incompetent. These tactics can create stress, damage team dynamics, and even affect job security. The best way to deal with this is to document responsibilities and hold people accountable for their contributions.
6. Excluding You from Networking Opportunities
Success in the workplace often depends on networking, and some co-workers sabotage others by leaving them out of key conversations. They may “forget” to invite you to important meetings, social events, or mentorship opportunities. This exclusion limits your access to valuable relationships and career advancement prospects. Over time, it can make you feel isolated and less visible to decision-makers. If you notice this happening, take control by proactively seeking connections and making your presence known. Don’t wait for an invitation—create your own opportunities.
How to Protect Yourself from Workplace Sabotage
Workplace sabotage can be frustrating, but you don’t have to be a victim. The best way to protect yourself is to stay aware, document interactions, and maintain professionalism. Build strong relationships with trustworthy colleagues and make sure your work is recognized by the right people. If sabotage continues, consider addressing it directly or speaking with a manager. A toxic workplace can drain your energy, so knowing when to move on is just as important. Stay sharp, stay strategic, and don’t let sneaky co-workers hold you back!
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