# Subtle Signs That Make You Stop Trusting Coworkers

> People reveal subtle behaviors that make them stop trusting coworkers.
- Title: Subtle Signs That Make You Stop Trusting Coworkers · BuzzFeed
- Summary: People reveal subtle behaviors that make them stop trusting coworkers. Coworkers who gossip, manipulate, blame others, or act untrustworthy trigger immediate…
- Keywords: coworker, toxic behavior, trust, workplace, gossip, blame, micromanage, integrity, entertainment, culture, Subtle, Signs
- Source: BuzzFeed — https://buzzfeed.com/joyannjeffrey/subtle-signs-not-trust-coworker
- Published: 2026-10-27T12:31:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: coworker, toxic behavior, trust, workplace, gossip, blame, micromanage, integrity, entertainment, culture
## Overly Gossipy Colleagues
People who point out others' lateness or sick days make you stop trusting them immediately.

> People who are overly gossipy and overly interested in what everyone else is doing (or not doing) at work. When I start noticing them pointing out that this person was 5 minutes late, or that person sure has been taking a lot of sick time, I immediately start watching what I say to them.
## Manager Manipulation
Managers who share information with executives to make you seem untrustworthy then control the narrative between you and them.

> I had a manager who was obsessed with managing up. If I ever see this behavior again, I’ll be very wary. They once told an exec something to make it look like I was untrustworthy, unbeknownst to me. Then, they told me the exec had concerns about me. Then, they became the go-between for information between me and said exec, controlling the narrative both ways.
## Job Theft Accusations
Colleagues who accuse others of stealing jobs and blame them for failures without seeking feedback.

> Lady A accused Lady B of stealing her job and constantly made sly remarks about what B should do. I left the job about 18 months later. I have to say that Lady A acted in an incredibly bitter way. Instead of seeking feedback on how she could improve, she became defensive and blamed Lady B for preventing her from getting the job.
## Tech-Savvy Coworkers
Coworkers who show you software tips then loudly tell bosses you don't know how to do tasks.

> When I witnessed a coworker show another teammate some tips and tricks for a software program, and then they later loudly told the boss, 'She didn’t know how to do it until I showed her.'
## Racist Statements
Coworkers who make racist comments and sit next to you, making it hard to ignore their behavior.

> I stopped talking to a close coworker (a Gen Z female) after she constantly made racist statements on multiple occasions. It pissed me off. I tried to correct her, but eventually stopped talking to her.
## Overly Nice Behavior
People who accept tasks in meetings but then ask for private help without accountability.

> Being overly nice in a group setting, and then their personality changes in private chats. So they'll accept a task in a meeting, then privately ask you to take care of their responsibilities in a DM.
## Information Hoarders
Colleagues who share minimal information when you ask for help or need onboarding.

> Information hoarding. I've had this happen twice. There are people who will only tell you the absolute minimum of what they think you should know when you ask a question or need help onboarding with something.
## Micromanagers
Coworkers who try to control tasks without authority, telling you how to do things.

> Micromanaging. If you aren’t in any position of workplace authority, shut the fuck up.
## Key takeaway

Coworkers who gossip, manipulate, blame others, or act untrustworthy trigger immediate distrust.