In every organisation, there are employees who bring value through their hard work, dedication, and positive attitude.

These individuals focus on their responsibilities, collaborate with their colleagues, and contribute towards achieving the organisation’s goals.

However, there is another type of employees who, instead of concentrating on their work, constantly create unnecessary noise over trivial matters.

These are the fuss-making employees, individuals who excel at complaining, criticising, and pointing out faults in others, but fall short when it comes to fulfilling their own responsibilities with sincerity and commitment.

Fuss-making employees are not always easy to identify at first.

In fact, they often disguise their behaviour as concern for the organisation’s betterment. They may argue that they are simply “raising valid points” or “trying to improve the system”.

While constructive criticism is both healthy and necessary for growth, the difference lies in intent and follow-through.

Constructive employees identify problems and also propose or help implement solutions.

Fuss-makers highlight problems repeatedly without offering anything meaningful to address them.

Their focus remains on drawing attention, stirring debates, and at times, creating divisions among colleagues rather than improving outcomes.

These individuals often fixate on petty issues that do not require excessive discussion.

It could be something as simple as the way a colleague formats a report, the colour of the office walls, the timing of a meeting, or the distribution of tasks.

Instead of dealing with such matters maturely, they turn them into major talking points.

They question decisions not because they have better alternatives but because they want to appear as if they are the only ones brave enough to speak up.

This behaviour disrupts workflow, wastes valuable time, and diverts attention from the actual work that needs to be done.

In most cases, these employees are the least likely to take ownership of their own tasks.

Their performance is often average or below expectations, yet they present themselves as highly aware and critical thinkers.

When deadlines approach, they have excuses ready, blaming unclear instructions, the lack of resources, or even the inefficiency of others.

Ironically, they are quick to point out others’ mistakes but rarely accept their own.

Their habit of deflecting responsibility often creates a toxic environment where genuine performers feel frustrated and demotivated.

One of the most damaging impacts of fuss-making employees is their ability to influence the mood of the workplace.

Negativity spreads faster than positivity. When one person constantly complains or raises petty objections, others may start to feel unsettled or distracted.

Colleagues who were previously focused on their work might get drawn into unnecessary discussions or feel pressured to defend their own actions.

Over time, this can lead to lower team morale, reduced productivity, and even conflicts between the employees who otherwise worked well together.

Managers and team leaders face a particular challenge when dealing with such employees.

If they ignore the fuss-makers completely, the behaviour can escalate, giving the impression that the organisation tolerates such conduct.

Besides, if they engage with every petty issue raised, they risk wasting time and losing sight of bigger priorities.

Finding a balanced approach is key. Leaders must differentiate between genuine concerns and unproductive complaining.

They should encourage constructive feedback while setting clear expectations about responsibilities and performance.

Fuss-making employees often have a pattern of avoiding accountability. When asked to deliver results, they may become vague or defensive.

They might argue that their time was consumed by “important discussions” or that they were “trying to fix systemic problems”.

In reality, they often lack the discipline, focus, or willingness to put in the effort required for quality work.

This behaviour can create resentment among colleagues who consistently meet their targets and maintain professionalism.

It can also hinder the organisation’s progress, especially if such employees occupy roles that influence others.

Another important aspect is that fuss-making is sometimes a way for insecure employees to mask their shortcomings.

By criticising others or pointing out flaws in processes, they divert attention from their own inefficiencies.

They build an image of being vigilant and concerned, hoping that the management will view them as proactive.

However, over time, this façade breaks down. Managers eventually notice that while the employee is vocal, their actual contributions are minimal.

When this happens, the gap between perception and reality becomes obvious.

In healthy organisational cultures, performance is measured by results, not noise.

Employees are valued for what they deliver, how they collaborate, and how they solve problems, not for how loudly they complain.

Therefore, it is important for organisations to create an environment where accountability and constructive dialogue go hand in hand.

The fuss-making employees should not be allowed to dominate conversations or disrupt work under the guise of concern.

Instead, they should be encouraged to channel their observations into solutions.

For example, if they identify a problem, they should be asked to present a practical plan to fix it or to take ownership of part of the solution.

This simple step often filters out genuine contributors from habitual complainers.

Another effective strategy is regular performance evaluation with a clear focus on measurable outcomes.

When responsibilities and expectations are clearly defined, it becomes harder for the fuss-makers to hide behind excuses.

Transparent systems for tracking progress can expose patterns of underperformance, making it easier for the management to address the issue through coaching or corrective action.

Additionally, recognising and rewarding employees who maintain a positive attitude and deliver consistently sends a strong signal about what behaviour the organisation values.

Communication training and team-building exercises can also help reduce unnecessary fussing.

Sometimes, the employees resort to petty complaining because they lack the skills to express their concerns effectively.

By offering structured platforms for feedback and clear communication channels, organisations can help employees articulate their views more productively.

However, if after such support an employee continues to focus on trivial matters and avoids responsibility, stronger measures may be needed.

Ultimately, every organisation thrives when its staff focus on solutions rather than problems.

The fuss-making employees drain energy, time, and morale. They shift attention away from the organisation’s goals towards their own need for attention.

Their behaviour might not always be openly aggressive, but its cumulative effect is damaging.

It creates noise in the system; delays progress, and affects team dynamics.

The responsibility to address this issue lies with both the managers and colleagues.

The managers must set the tone by prioritising performance and constructive behaviour, while colleagues should avoid feeding into unnecessary drama.

Engaging too much with the fuss-makers or validating their trivial complaints can unintentionally give them more influence.

Instead, redirecting conversations towards solutions and maintaining professionalism can reduce their impact.

The fuss-making employees are a reality in many workplaces. Their tendency to focus on petty issues, criticise others, and avoid accountability creates challenges for teams and management alike.

However, with clear communication, strong leadership, and a culture that values results over noise, their influence can be limited.

Organisations must recognise that while every employee has the right to express concerns, this right comes with the responsibility to contribute meaningfully.

Those who only make a fuss without delivering should be guided, corrected, or if necessary, held accountable.

A workplace where everyone takes responsibility, works collaboratively, and channels their energy towards solutions is one where both the employees and the organisation can thrive.

The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional. He can be reached at [email protected]