Dear Sanjana,
This is a comon problem in all the industries, govt. sector, and everywhere ,when such circumstances arises u can do following things:
You can counsel them either with councellor or your senior or who is close to him can have a word with them individually,
Just surround them with people who has positive attitude which will create positive environment around them and
If any of them is very outspoken an extrovert you can show him how his attitude is affecting the whole team. he should show a good leadership style rather than setting a bad example on other employees.
I hope this will help you out to change his attitude as loyal employees are always a long time asset to a company they don't depreciate but always appreciate.
or
you can Appreciate his +ve attributes
Back biting is a symptom that he is unsatisfied with his own performance.
send him in few seminars on +ve thinking.
To make his approach +ve, you need to make your office environment more open and collaborative
You need to tell straight away about the qualities of him which are not appreciated by others
Give him some books in this regards
Make him responsible for few employees( evaluate their + ve qualities only and only +vr ones)
Ask him to tell what he really don`t like and why ( It should be done in private)
There are many more ways to achieve the task, there are plenty of wise people, who will suggest us both on how to achieve this.
In my organisation, I have faced same problem, but now things are improving.
Dont worry such people who are back biting meet their natural end. You dont have to do anything. Till the time he is in good books of senior and keeps them interested with gossip, he will survive after that one day when top mgt. knows he is just of no use, he will be thrown away to some redundunt function. Top Mgt. also thinks and they know who is doing what, its just a matter of time. truth can never hide.
I have received above replies from the HR peoples for a similar discussion which I have started.
Just wait and watch.
Regards,
ajay