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“At a minimum, workplace drama causes inefficiency, frustration, and waste. The personal costs to those who work in organizations is immeasurable.” – David Emerald

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Toxic employees can bring down morale, create tension, and cause a lot of stress in the workplace. It's important to recognize toxic behavior and take steps to address it before it becomes a serious problem. Dealing with toxic employees can be difficult, but it's necessary for maintaining a healthy work environment. Toxic employees can be bullies, gossip, or people who refuse to take responsibility for their actions. They can be a drain on productivity and make it difficult for other employees to do their jobs effectively. In this article, I will be discussing some effective strategies for dealing with toxic employees in the workplace. Whether it's confronting the employee, setting clear boundaries, or seeking outside help, I will provide practical tips for managing these challenging situations.

A toxic employee is someone who has a negative impact on the workplace. They may be disruptive, argumentative, or simply unpleasant to be around. Toxic employees can have a significant impact on morale, productivity, and even customer satisfaction. There is no one definition of a toxic employee, but they typically exhibit some of the following behaviors:

·?????Disruptive behavior: Toxic employees may be disruptive to the workplace by being argumentative, gossiping, or creating a hostile work environment.

·?????Poor performance: Toxic employees may not meet performance expectations or may be consistently late or absent.

·?????Negative attitude: Toxic employees may have a negative attitude towards their job, their co-workers, or the company.

·?????Poor communication: Toxic employees may have difficulty communicating effectively with their co-workers or their manager.

Toxic employees can have a significant impact on the workplace. They can:

·?????Reduce morale: Toxic employees can make it difficult for other employees to do their jobs and can create a stressful and unpleasant work environment.

·?????Reduce productivity: Toxic employees can distract other employees and make it difficult to focus on work. They can also cause conflict and tension, which can lead to decreased productivity.

·?????Damage customer relationships: Toxic employees can damage customer relationships by being rude, unprofessional, or simply unpleasant to deal with.

It is important to effectively deal with toxic employees as soon as possible. If left unchecked, toxic employees can have a negative impact on the entire workplace.

There are several ways to deal with toxic employees. The best approach will vary depending on the specific situation. However, some common approaches include:

·?????Conducting a performance review: If the toxic employee is underperforming, you may need to conduct a performance review. This will give you an opportunity to discuss their performance and expectations.

·?????Providing training: If the toxic employee is lacking in certain skills or knowledge, you may need to provide them with training. This can help them improve their performance and become a more valuable member of the team.

·?????Disciplinary action: If the toxic employee's behavior is unacceptable, you may need to take disciplinary action. This could include a warning, suspension, or termination.

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“There is something quite twisted and dangerous about glorifying busy-ness or burnout. Imagine if you were bragging to a friend, “You think you’re depressed? That’s nothing! I’m so depressed that sometimes I can’t even get out of bed, and I consider suicide on a regular basis!”” – Eva Selhub, MD


It is important to remember that dealing with toxic employees can be challenging. However, it is important to take action to protect the morale, productivity, and customer relationships of your workplace.

Toxic employees can have a negative impact on the workplace, so it is important to be able to identify them. Some signs of toxic behavior include:

·?????Disruptive behavior: Toxic employees may be disruptive to the workplace by being argumentative, gossiping, or creating a hostile work environment.

·?????Poor performance: Toxic employees may not meet performance expectations or may be consistently late or absent.

·?????Negative attitude: Toxic employees may have a negative attitude towards their job, their co-workers, or the company as a whole.

·?????Poor communication: Toxic employees may have difficulty communicating effectively with their co-workers or their manager.

There are different types of toxic employees, each with their own unique set of behaviors. Some common types of toxic employees include:

·?????The bully: The bully is someone who uses their power or position to intimidate or harass others. They may be verbally or physically abusive, or they may use their position to make life difficult for others.

·?????The gossip: The gossip is about someone who spreads rumors and confidential information about others. They may do this to damage someone's reputation or to gain power or influence.

·?????The complainer: The complainer is always negative and never satisfied. They may complain about their job, their co-workers, or the company.

·?????The blamer: The blamer is someone who never takes responsibility for their own mistakes. They are always quick to point the finger at others and make excuses for their own behavior.

·?????The underperformer: The underperformer is someone who does not meet performance expectations. They may be lazy, incompetent, or simply not interested in their job.

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“And that’s what you’ll be doing: spending a lot of time with people whom you might not otherwise choose as your family or friends.” – Peter Yawitz


It is important to document incidents of toxic behavior. This will help you to track the employee's behavior and to build a case for disciplinary action. When documenting incidents, be sure to include the following information:

·?????Date and time of the incident: This will help you track the frequency of the behavior.

·?????Description of the incident: Be as specific as possible when describing the employee's behavior.

·?????Names of any witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the incident, be sure to get their names.

·?????Your own observations: Include any thoughts or feelings that you had about the incident.

By documenting incidents of toxic behavior, you will be able to take steps to address the problem and to protect your workplace from the negative impact of toxic employees.

Here are some tips on how to deal with toxic employees:

1.???Set clear expectations and boundaries. The first step is to clearly define what is and is not acceptable behavior in your workplace. This should be done in writing and should be distributed to all employees. The document should include specific examples of toxic behavior, such as gossiping, spreading rumors, or being verbally abusive. It should also state the consequences for engaging in this type of behavior.

2.???Provide feedback and coaching. Once you have set clear expectations, you need to provide feedback and coaching to any employees who are exhibiting toxic behavior. This should be done in a private setting and should be focused on helping the employee understand how their behavior is impacting others. The goal is to help the employee change their behavior, not to punish them.

3.???Consequences for continued toxic behavior. If an employee continues to engage in toxic behavior after receiving feedback and coaching, you may need to take disciplinary action. This could include a written warning, suspension, or termination. The severity of the disciplinary action should be based on the severity of the behavior.

It is important to remember that you cannot change someone else's behavior. However, you can set clear expectations, provide feedback and coaching, and enforce consequences. By doing these things, you can create a workplace that is free from toxic behavior.

Here are some additional tips for dealing with toxic employees:

·?????Do not take their behavior personally. Toxic employees often have their own personal issues that are causing them to behave in a negative way. It is important to remember that their behavior is not a reflection of you or your work.

·?????Document everything. If you have to take disciplinary action against a toxic employee, it is important to have documentation of their behavior. This could include emails, memos, or witness statements.

·?????Get support from HR. If you are having difficulty dealing with a toxic employee, you should reach out to your HR department for help. HR can provide you with guidance on how to handle the situation and can help you enforce consequences if necessary.

Dealing with toxic employees can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you, and you should not hesitate to seek help if you need it.

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“Unfortunately, workplace friendships aren’t all flowers and rainbows. In fact, getting too close to people in the workplace can be so precarious that many people make it a point to set boundaries.” – Ken Kupchik


Let us understand it with the help of a short fable. Once upon a time, there lived a crow couple in a big banyan tree. A king cobra also lived there and ate the couple's chicks every time they hatched. No matter how hard they tried, they could not have babies. One day, she asked her husband to move to a safer place, but he said, " We will kill the cobra." His wife asked, " How can this be possible? The cobra is much stronger than us." He explained the plan to her: " Early in the morning, the king's men come to the riverbank to bathe. You must pick up one of their golden necklaces, which they leave on the grass with their clothes, before they go to bathe. Drop the necklace in front of the cobra's home. They will discover the cobra and kill it." The female crow did as she was asked by her husband. The king cobra was killed by royal guards.

Toxic employees are those who exhibit negative attitudes and behaviors that can have a detrimental effect on the workplace. Identifying toxic employees can be challenging, as they may not always be outwardly negative or confrontational. However, there are some common signs that can help you identify if an employee is toxic. One of the most obvious signs is a constant negative attitude. Toxic employees tend to have a pessimistic outlook on everything, including their work, colleagues, and management. They are quick to complain and slow to offer solutions to problems. They may also be critical of others and create a culture of blame. Another sign is a lack of accountability. Toxic employees tend to blame others for their mistakes and refuse to take responsibility for their actions. They may also be unwilling to admit when they are wrong and may try to cover up their errors. Toxic employees may also be resistant to change and new ideas. They may be set in their ways and unwilling to adapt to new processes or procedures. This can be frustrating for other employees who are trying to innovate and improve the workplace. Finally, toxic employees may exhibit bullying or harassing behavior toward others. This can include verbal or physical aggression, spreading rumors or gossip, or excluding others from social activities. Identifying toxic employees is the first step to dealing with them effectively. It's important to address these behaviors early on to prevent them from spreading and causing further damage to the workplace. For example, a toxic employee might refuse to follow new safety protocols in a factory, putting themselves and others at risk. They might also blame others for their mistakes and actively sabotage new initiatives to improve efficiency. Eventually, this behavior could lead to a decrease in productivity and morale among other employees.

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“Another person with a passive-aggressive style might nod and stare at you rather than say anything. Imagine going to a meeting attended by a bunch of passive-aggressive people. You could easily sit there thinking that you’re in the middle of some bizarro workplace. You might hear undercurrents of messages, notice discreet eye rolls and stares, and feel uncomfortable with the overall vibe.” – Peter Yawitz


Toxic employees can have a significant impact on the workplace and on the morale of other employees. They can create a hostile work environment, which can cause other employees to feel stressed, uncomfortable, and demotivated. Toxic employees can also be disruptive, causing conflicts and tension among their co-workers and even affecting the productivity of the entire team. Moreover, they can be a bad influence on other employees, spreading negativity and gossip and damaging the reputation of the company. They may also engage in unethical or illegal behavior, which can expose the company to legal and financial risks. In addition, toxic employees can also cause high employee turnover rates, as other employees may decide to leave the company if they feel that the management is not addressing the situation. This can be costly for the company, as they may have to spend more resources on recruiting and training new employees. Overall, the presence of toxic employees in the workplace can severely affect the culture, productivity, and reputation of a company, and it is important for the management to address the situation promptly and effectively. For example, if a toxic employee is constantly belittling and insulting their co-workers, it can create a negative work environment where other employees feel uncomfortable and demotivated. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased turnover rates as employees seek to leave the toxic environment. Additionally, if the toxic employee engages in unethical behavior such as stealing company property or engaging in harassment, it can expose the company to legal risks and damage its reputation.

Toxic employees can be a major problem in the workplace, and it's important to be aware of the most common toxic behaviors so you can identify and address them before they cause significant harm. One common toxic behavior is gossiping or spreading rumors about colleagues or management. Gossip can create a negative work environment and damage relationships between employees, leading to decreased productivity and morale. Another toxic behavior is passive aggressiveness. Passive-aggressive employees may seem agreeable on the surface, but they often express their frustration or dissatisfaction through indirect means, such as sarcasm or snide comments. This can create tension and conflict in the workplace and can even lead to more overtly aggressive behavior if left unchecked. Negativity is another common toxic behavior to watch out for. Negative employees always seem to find something wrong with everything and often complain about their workload, co-workers, or management. Their negative attitude can drag down morale and create a toxic work environment, leading to decreased productivity and increased staff turnover. Finally, another toxic behavior is bullying. This can take many forms, from overtly aggressive behavior to more subtle tactics such as exclusion or spreading rumors. Bullying can create fear and anxiety in the workplace, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased staff turnover. By being aware of these common toxic behaviors, you can take steps to address them and create a healthier, more productive workplace culture. For example, a negative employee constantly complains about the company's policies and procedures, spreading their negativity to other employees. This can lead to decreased productivity and low morale among the staff. On the other hand, a bully may use aggressive behavior to intimidate co-workers or exclude them from group activities, creating a hostile work environment that can cause stress and anxiety for everyone involved.

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“At a minimum, workplace drama causes inefficiency, frustration, and waste. The personal costs to those who work in organizations is immeasurable.” – David Emerald


Addressing toxic behavior in the workplace is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment and keeping the morale of your team high. It is essential to identify the signs of toxic behavior early on to prevent it from spreading and damaging the entire workplace culture. Toxic behavior can manifest in various forms, such as gossiping, bullying, negativity, and a lack of accountability. These behaviors can be contagious and lead to a decline in employee engagement, productivity, and motivation. It is necessary to address the issues head-on to prevent long-term damage to the organization. Ignoring toxic behavior can lead to a loss of trust in management among employees, who expect their leaders to take action against negative behavior. It can also lead to losing valuable employees who are unwilling to work in a toxic environment. Toxic behavior can also impact the mental and physical health of employees. It can create stress, anxiety, and burnout, which can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs. In conclusion, addressing toxic behavior in the workplace is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment, preventing long-term damage to the organization, and keeping employees engaged and motivated. For example, if a supervisor engages in gossiping and bullying behavior, it can quickly spread to other team members and create a toxic work culture. This can lead to high turnover rates, decreased productivity, and a negative impact on the mental health of employees. It is important for management to address these behaviors promptly and provide training and resources to prevent them from reoccurring.

Dealing with toxic employees in the workplace can be a daunting task, but it is necessary to maintain a healthy work environment. Here are some steps you can take to effectively deal with toxic employees:

1. Address the behavior directly: Sit down with the employee and have a conversation about specific examples of their toxic behavior. Be clear and direct and provide specific examples of how their behavior is impacting the workplace.

2. Set clear expectations: Clearly communicate the behavior that is expected of employees and outline the consequences of not meeting those expectations.

3. Provide support: Sometimes, toxic behavior can be a result of personal issues or stress. Provide support and resources to help the employee work through any personal problems they may be experiencing.

4. Document everything: Keep detailed notes of any conversations you have with the toxic employee, as well as any incidents of toxic behavior. This will be helpful if you need to take further action, such as termination.

5. Take action: If the toxic behavior continues despite your efforts, it may be necessary to take disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Remember that your main priority is to maintain a healthy work environment for all employees, not just one toxic individual.

By following these steps, you can effectively deal with toxic employees and maintain a positive work environment for all employees.

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“At work or at home, conflict is a part of life. How do we respond? Sometimes we suppress it by avoiding people, leaving jobs or ending relationships. When that isn’t an option, we may nurse grudges until we can’t stand it anymore, at which time we may explode and engage in fruitless and even embarrassing confrontations. Unresolved conflict takes its toll on us and on our relationships. We can all learn to resolve it better.” – Robert I. Sutton


One of the keyways to effectively deal with toxic employees in the workplace is to communicate expectations and consequences clearly and consistently. This means that your company's policies and standards should be well-defined, and your employees should be aware of what is expected of them. For example, if your company has a policy against workplace harassment or discrimination, it's important to communicate this policy to your employees and ensure that they understand what constitutes unacceptable behavior. You should also make it clear what the consequences of violating this policy will be, such as disciplinary action or termination. It's also important to follow through on your policies and hold employees accountable for their actions. If an employee engages in toxic behavior, it's important to address the issue promptly and take appropriate action to prevent it from happening again. This not only helps to maintain a positive work environment for your employees but also sends a message that toxic behavior will not be tolerated. Finally, remember that communication is a two-way street. Encourage your employees to communicate with you if they have concerns or issues that they feel need to be addressed. By creating a culture of open communication, you can help prevent toxic behavior from taking root in your workplace and foster a positive and productive work environment for everyone.


Dealing with toxic employees in the workplace can be challenging and stressful for everyone involved, including the management. One of the most effective ways to deal with toxic employees is to offer them support and guidance. By doing so, you show that you care about their well-being and are willing to help them overcome their issues. Toxic behavior can often be a result of personal or work-related problems, such as stress, burnout, or conflicts with colleagues. By offering support and guidance, you can help the toxic employee identify the root cause of their behavior and work towards addressing it. This can involve offering counseling or therapy sessions, providing flexible working arrangements, or simply having open and honest conversations with the employee about their concerns. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, as the toxic employee may be going through a difficult time. By offering support and guidance, you can help the employee feel valued and cared for, which can lead to a positive change in their behavior. Additionally, this approach can help prevent future toxic behavior from occurring in the workplace, as it creates a culture of support and understanding. Offering support and guidance is a crucial step in effectively dealing with toxic employees in the workplace. By showing empathy and understanding, you can help the employee identify the root cause of their behavior and work towards addressing it, leading to a positive change in their behavior and a healthier workplace environment for everyone involved. For example, if a toxic employee is constantly belittling and criticizing their colleagues, it could be due to personal insecurities or stress related to their workload. By offering counseling sessions and providing support to help alleviate their stress, the employee may become less toxic and more productive in the workplace. This approach can also prevent future toxic behavior by creating a culture of empathy and understanding where employees feel valued and supported in addressing their personal or work-related issues.

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“Emotions, especially in the workplace, often are minimized or disregarded. Most people are uncomfortable with them and find it far easier to assume they know how someone feels than to ask.” – Robert I. Sutton


Dealing with toxic employees in the workplace is a challenging task that requires a systematic approach. One of the critical steps in effectively managing such employees is to document their incidents and behaviors. Documentation is crucial because it provides evidence of the toxic employee's actions and helps in making informed decisions. Whenever an incident occurs, it is essential to document the date, time, and what happened. Describe the toxic behavior of the employee in detail, and make sure to include any witnesses. Keep a record of all the incidents in a file or software program for easy future reference. When documenting, focus on the behavior and not the personality of the employee. Also, make sure that the language you use is objective, professional, and non-judgmental. It is essential to document both positive and negative behavior to provide a complete picture of the employee's behavior. Documenting incidents and behaviors helps prevent future incidents. It also helps in providing accurate information to the employee during counseling sessions. In serious cases, where discipline or termination is the only option, documentation provides a legal basis for the decision. Documenting incidents and the behavior of toxic employees is essential to effectively dealing with them in the workplace. It helps in making informed decisions, preventing future incidents, and providing a legal basis for disciplinary actions. For example, if an employee is consistently late and misses deadlines, document specific instances of these behaviors along with any discussions held about the issue. On the other hand, if an employee consistently goes above and beyond expectations, document those instances to highlight their positive contributions to the company. This documentation can be used in performance evaluations and discussions with the employee to provide a clear understanding of expectations and areas for improvement.

When it comes to dealing with toxic employees, it's important to take appropriate disciplinary action. This can range from verbal warnings to written warnings to suspension or even termination of employment. It's essential to have a clear and detailed policy in place for how to deal with toxic employees and to follow this policy consistently and fairly. Any disciplinary action should be well documented, including the reasons for the action, the steps taken, and any communication with the employee. It's also important to communicate with other employees about the disciplinary action taken without violating the toxic employee's privacy. This can help to maintain a positive work environment and ensure that other employees know that the company takes toxic behavior seriously. If the toxic behavior is severe or ongoing, it may be necessary to involve HR or legal professionals to ensure that the appropriate action is taken. Overall, taking appropriate disciplinary action is a crucial part of effectively dealing with toxic employees and maintaining a healthy workplace culture. For example, if an employee consistently undermines their colleagues and spreads rumors, it can create a toxic work environment. In this case, the manager may use documentation to provide specific examples of the behavior and expectations for improvement. If the behavior continues, the manager may escalate disciplinary action, such as a written warning or suspension, following the company's policy. If necessary, HR may be involved to ensure legal compliance and protect the company from potential lawsuits.

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“Even when positive change does take place, the initial atmosphere of success and freshness can quickly turn into an atmosphere of failure and discouragement once the drama resumes. And almost any experience of drama at work can be traced back to the impact of resistance to change.” – David Emerald


Preventing toxic behavior in the workplace is essential to maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. One of the most effective ways to prevent toxic behavior is to establish a company culture that promotes positivity, respect, and open communication. Hiring employees who fit into the company culture and share the same values is also important. During the hiring process, it's essential to look for candidates who have a positive attitude and are willing to work collaboratively with others. Another way to prevent toxic behavior is to provide regular training and development opportunities for employees. This not only helps employees improve their skills and knowledge but also reinforces the importance of positive behavior and teamwork. It's also crucial to have clear policies and procedures in place for dealing with toxic behavior. This will ensure that everyone in the company knows what is expected of them and what the consequences will be if they engage in toxic behavior. Lastly, it's essential to lead by example. Leaders in the company should model positive behavior and be willing to address toxic behavior when it arises. By setting a positive example, leaders can encourage employees to follow suit and create a healthy and productive work environment for everyone. For instance, during the interview process, a company may ask situational questions to assess a candidate's ability to work collaboratively and their attitude towards teamwork. Furthermore, the company may offer regular workshops on communication skills and conflict resolution to encourage positive behavior and provide employees with a toolset to address toxic behavior before it escalates.

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“Gallup research indicates that there’s approximately $500 billion in lost productivity annually, in the United States alone, due to negative behavior in organizations.” – David Emerald


Dealing with toxic employees in the workplace is never an easy task. It can be a time-consuming and emotionally challenging process for managers and HR professionals. However, ignoring the problem will only lead to more significant issues in the long run. The most effective approach to dealing with toxic employees is to address the problem as soon as possible, document their behavior, and communicate clearly with the employee about their actions. Remember that every employee has the right to a safe and healthy work environment. As employers, it is our duty to ensure that our employees feel respected, valued, and supported. By implementing the steps and strategies outlined in this article, you can effectively deal with toxic employees and create a positive work culture for your team. Remember that it takes time and effort, but it is well worth it in the end. For example, a company may have an employee who consistently belittles their coworkers and spreads negativity throughout the office. To address this behavior, the company could schedule a meeting with the employee to discuss their actions and provide them with specific examples of how their behavior is affecting others. The company could also offer the employee access to conflict resolution workshops to help them better communicate with their coworkers and address conflicts in a more productive manner.

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“If you have ever experienced infighting, such as a team or a department pitting itself against another team or department; if you have ever worked for a micromanaging and overbearing boss; if you have ever navigated the changes that come with a merger or other significant restructuring process, then you have had a front-row seat to organizational drama.” – David Emerald


I hope you found my article on dealing with toxic employees helpful. It's never easy to address negativity in the workplace, but it's important to take action to maintain a positive work environment. Remember, addressing toxic behavior isn't about punishing or blaming employees but rather creating a safe and productive workplace for everyone. By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to handle toxic employees and create a better work culture. Thank you for reading! If you have any questions or would like to discuss dealing with toxic employees, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at headstrt.com.



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Cathy Karabetsos

Investor l Mentor l Founder | Connecting You To People Who Matter Most | ?? WBENC l Host Go BIG or Go Broke Podcast ??

1 年

A truly significant milestone that speaks volumes about you! Congrats.

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Andy Naylor

Founder & CEO, Naylor Body Design | Transforming the lives of busy business leaders through health optimization and online coaching.

1 年

You proved everyone wrong and got the job done. Congrats!

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Alessandro Donini

Graphic designer marketing presso Coynco Industrial Vacuums

1 年

Wow, a remarkable accomplishment achieved with determination and hard work.

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Jason Bradley

Specialist in AI-driven Market Research Analytics at Osum.com

1 年

Well done Joy Here is to another decade/years of providing tremendous value.

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Alex Cunningham

Leading Strategy and Business Operations at Scrubby | Scaling Secure Email Validation for Risk-Free Communications

1 年

Truly amazed by the incredible work of (business). Keep going!

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