By EMS1 Staff
Managing a team with a wide mix of personalities, work ethics and motivations can be challenging, especially when dealing with first responders, where teamwork is often a literal matter of life or death. We’ve all dealt with a bad boss or heard tales of terrible managers.
But today, let’s flip the script and talk about the other side: the 10 unmistakable signs of a bad employee. These traits can weigh down a team, breed negativity and even spark burnout among its members. If you see these warning flags in yourself or someone else, it might be time to make a change or have a chat – before things get out of hand.
1. Bad attendance
Nothing screams “bad employee” louder than chronic absenteeism. In public safety, everyone knows the strain caused when one person doesn’t show up, especially in small teams. Bad attendance isn’t just inconvenient; it’s disrespectful to coworkers who must step in. Occasional sick days? Understandable. But if someone’s calling in more than clocking in, it’s time for an accountability check.
2. Poor productivity
We all know the drill: gear checks, station clean-ups, patient care. When employees start slacking, it shows. Maybe it’s subtle – “forgetting” to stock the ambulance or leaving behind paperwork. Productivity lapses can spiral into bigger issues that affect the whole team’s ability to respond effectively. In this field, the bare minimum isn’t just lazy; it’s potentially dangerous.
3. Negative attitude
A poor attitude is like poison in the team’s water supply. It’s contagious, turning the workplace atmosphere from cooperative to corrosive. Whether it’s constant complaints about leadership or passive-aggressive digs about protocols, a bad attitude can spark tension in any tight-knit team. A little venting is normal, but when negativity is a permanent fixture, it’s a problem.
4. Lack of communication skills
Clear communication isn’t just polite; it’s essential for safety and efficiency. Employees who fail to express their needs or struggles – and just assume others will magically understand – create confusion and commit mistakes.
Communication isn’t just a “nice-to-have;" it’s the glue holding teams together, especially when things get chaotic.
5. A lack of dependability
This is the employee who misses deadlines, skips out on responsibilities or doesn’t complete assignments as promised. In the world of first responders, reliability isn’t optional. If you’re on shift, your team needs to know they can count on you, whether it’s for patient care, paperwork or simply being on time. Otherwise, it’s just dead weight.
6. Disrespect for leadership and teammates
Respect isn’t just for superiors; it’s for everyone on the team. A disrespectful employee undermines the whole mission. Whether it’s snide comments, eye rolls or outright defiance, disrespect shows a lack of regard for the work and the people involved. Remember, your team isn’t just the “people you work with” – they’re people who need you to have their back.
7. Resistance to change
Change is inevitable, especially in EMS, where protocols and standards evolve constantly. A resistant employee who digs in their heels can become a roadblock. Refusing to adapt not only holds them back but also puts undue stress on coworkers trying to move forward. Flexibility isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a survival skill.
8. Lack of initiative
Some call it “quiet quitting” or just coasting along. A lack of initiative means doing the bare minimum – no extra effort, no problem-solving and certainly no stepping up. These employees don’t bring new ideas or energy, and that can drag a team down. If every member isn’t actively contributing, it’s like trying to push a car with one wheel stuck.
9. Dishonesty
There’s no room for deceit on a team where trust can make or break an emergency response. An employee who lies or embellishes isn’t just annoying – they’re a liability. Falsifying records, bending the truth or spreading rumors can break the team’s trust and cause lasting damage. In high-stakes situations, honesty is non-negotiable.
10. Not being a team player
In public safety, you’re only as strong as your team. Lone wolves and lone stars aren’t welcome here. Not pitching in, undermining coworkers, or failing to communicate doesn’t just hurt the team spirit; it affects safety. Teamwork is a foundational skill, and if you’re unwilling to support your team, you’re not cut out for the job.
Tackling our own ‘bad employee’ characteristics
Nobody’s perfect. Even the best of us might find a trait or two here that sounds a little familiar. Self-awareness, growth and accountability are essential, especially in the first responder world where every role counts. If you recognize these signs, ask yourself what can be changed. With a little introspection, every employee can go from a “bad” employee to a “better” one, strengthening the team for every challenge ahead.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
Video: Inside EMS on the signs of a bad employee
Cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle the top 10 traits of bad employees ... and share where they’ve seen some of the traits in themselves during their career.
