Organizational Toxin Handlers

This book examines the important role of HR practitioners acting as toxin handlers within their organizations and the dangers they face when dealing with toxic workplace emotions caused by difficult organizational decisions, such as mergers and acquisitions, staff reductions, and restructurings. Exploring what they do, why they do it, and the personal and professional rewards created by the work, it also examines the dangers that await them in terms of risks to their personal well-being. 

In today's world, layoffs, harassment, discrimination, personality conflicts, or an abusive boss are just a few of the many types of workplace situations that can generate intense emotional pain for employees—feelings like anger, frustration, stress, disappointment, and even fear. Unfortunately, these types of events are predictable and somewhat inevitable, but it is the way organizations handle them—or do not—that can create a serious problem for employees. The responsibility often falls to HR to help troubled employees reduce their emotional pain so that they can re-focus and get back to work as quickly as possible, resulting in positive organizational outcomes.

This book highlights the balancing act that HR must perform of caring for employees and championing their causes while at the same time driving toward organizational goals set by senior leaders. The author demonstrates how toxin handlers reduce organizational pain during tough times while also exploring the costs to their own well-being. Readers will learn to minimize the negative impact of toxic emotions from an organizational as well as individual perspective. This book will teach HR professionals strategies about how to anticipate and navigate the organizational toxicity caused by some of the inevitable and difficult people-related situations that are likely to come their way.

“I've met a few of the remarkable professionals Dr. Daniel perfectly describes. They simply are the soul of organizations. She wisely warns that empaths in this conflicted role need self-care to offset harm from exposure to the darkest emotional demons. These conscientious and ethical actors deserve C-suite support. Daniel argues strongly for top-down appreciation of the value toxin handlers bring to both employee well-being and the bottom line. I hope executives incorporate the wisdom found here.” (Gary Namie, Co-Founder and Director, Workplace Bullying Institute)

“This is a provocative, realistic, and deeply-considered examination about how HR professionals and those in related positions may engage challenging, sometimes precarious roles as organizational toxin handlers. It's packed with next-level insights that will especially appeal to experienced HR leaders who have navigated this role and may have some bruises to show for it. Hopeful yet frank in voice, practical in approach while being grounded in research, this important book will prompt needed conversations about HR's facilitative and managerial role and inspire new approaches to improving our quality of work life.” (David Yamada, Professor of Law and Director, New Workplace Institute, Suffolk University Law School)

“This novel and interesting book explores the toxic issues that arise in organizations. During the COVID-19 crisis and the recession that follows it, this is a ‘must read’ to understand how to handle toxic situations and people—you won’t be disappointed.” (Sir Cary Cooper, Professor of Organisational Psychology, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, UK)

“In her unique and creative book, Dr. Daniel shares real-world experiences from HR professionals who daily deal with toxic emotions.  Most conflicts are fueled by emotions, and how they are managed determines if the workplace is toxic, or if conflicts are viewed as opportunities for positive transformation (or not). In today’s ever-changing world, uncertainty can manifest in fear, anger, and resentment, and both leaders and employees are struggling to find their new normal. This book is both timely and timeless, as it offers practical suggestions for organizational practitioners and leaders navigating today’s unchartered waters.” (LaVena Wilkin, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Conflict Management)

"Daniel provides an insightful discussion about how HR practitioners can act to protect employees from the constant barrage of toxic expectations commonly experienced within our organisations. The book highlights this unique role of HR practitioners as protectors and describes how they can shape their organisations to reduce the inherent toxicity. A book highly pertinent for HR practitioners, business students, and organisational scholars." (Paula Brough, Professor, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University,Australia)

“We need to do what we can to eradicate toxic environments – this book gives clear insights into how to do this.” (Tony Wall, Professor and Founder and Head, International Centre for Thriving at Work, University of Chester, UK)

 

Teresa A. Daniel currently serves as Dean and Professor of the Human Resource Leadership Programs at Sullivan University, USA. She is also the Chair for the HRL concentration in the university’s PhD in Management program. 

Dr. Daniel has a significant body of research in HR with an emphasis on two primary areas of inquiry: (1) counterproductive work behaviors (focused on workplace bullying, sexual harassment, and toxic leadership), and (2) HR’s unique role and its impact on organizational effectiveness (e.g., in the management of toxic workplace emotions, responding to situations of workplace bullying and harassment, dealing with toxic leaders, and the management of people during mergers and acquisitions). Her research has been actively supported by the national Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) through the publication of numerous articles and interviews, as well as by the publication of her book, co-authored with Dr. Gary Metcalf, titled Stop Bullying at Work: Strategies and Tools for HR, Legal & Risk Management Professionals. 

Dr. Daniel was honored as an Initial Fellow of the International Academy on Workplace Bullying, Mobbing, and Abuse in 2014 and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award at Centre College in 2002. Most recently, she was the 2019 Grand Prize Winner of the national SHRM HR Haiku contest.