Every company has them. They're the workers who voluntarily shoulder the burden of workplace conflicts and stress, manage office politics, and help to ensure the company continues to function.

However, their efforts frequently go unsung and these individuals pay a high price for their self-sacrifice that goes beyond their professional lives.

They're called toxic handlers. These people are employees to whom coworkers often turn to when they're stressed out. They also often try to resolve interpersonal friction, shield employees from dysfunctional behaviour, and absorb negativity in the workplace.

UBC Sauder School of Business professor Sandra Robinson and her colleague Peter Frost studied over 70 toxic handlers.

In a news release, they stated that they found that these individuals accumulated unmanageable stress levels that impacted their physical health, career, and ability to help others over the long term.

Robinson pointed out that toxic handlers, who are not just executives but can be at any level of an organization, play a critical role in the operation and survival of a company.

She also pointed out that when toxic handlers aren't available, employees often can't work constructively and can result in lost customers or clients.

People who play the role of a toxic handler, Robinson said, are often drawn to acting as a counsellor or peacemaker, or who feel compelled to stand up for others and these elements may be a part of their identity that they draw fulfillment from.

Robinson recommends that companies and organizations need to recognize toxic handlers for their often behind-the-scenes efforts in ways that will help them avoid burnout. Some possible forms of appreciation could be modifications to regular duties, offering extra days off, or providing support or training.

A Harvard Business Review article co-authored by Robinson discussed the topic in-depth, including how toxic handlers can learn to recognize their own behaviour and what they can do to manage their own stress levels, such as creating emotional boundaries by learning to say no or picking battles, finding support, taking breaks, and more.