Toxic work culture: 5 ways to cope
Let's face it; your workplace can be a total make or break. Spending most of your waking hours in a place that doesn't have your back can be draining. You may feel like you’re in a constant state of dread and unease – and who wants that?
Short answer: no-one!
That's why it's important to be part of a work environment that's supportive, respectful and productive. Unfortunately, not all offices fit the bill, and some can be downright toxic. No wonder many employees suffer from low morale, high stress levels and a relentless sense of anxiety.
According to a Career Junction survey, unacceptable behaviours in the workplace include bosses taking credit for employees’ work, and favouritism. Then there’s expecting employees to work overtime without pay, lack of salary increases and being denied holiday leave and time off.
What is a toxic work environment?
You're at work and can feel the tension in the air. It could be the passive-aggressive emails, the constant criticism from your boss or the gossip amongst your colleagues. It may be a combination of all of the above, plus a handful of other problematic behaviours.
Whatever the cause, a toxic work environment is one where negativity, conflict and misconduct are commonplace.
Examples of a toxic work environment include:
A lack of communication and transparency
- When there's a lack of clear communication, employees can feel lost, confused and unsure of their role. This can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety and frustration.
Bullying and harassment
- This can take many forms, including verbal abuse, intimidation and exclusion. This behaviour is often incredibly damaging to an individual's self-esteem and mental health.
Unrealistic expectations and long hours
- Working long hours shouldn’t be the default in workplaces. When you’re constantly working until midnight to meet unrealistic deadlines, you’re on the path to burnout, stress and feeling undervalued.
Micromanagement
- No-one enjoys being micromanaged; it often leads to feelings of powerlessness and demotivation.
Cliques, exclusion and gossip
- When these are the norm in a workplace, they can create a toxic environment that is both stressful and unproductive.
5 ways to cope within a toxic work environment
- Set clear boundaries with your colleagues and managers. This could mean saying no to extra work, speaking up when you feel uncomfortable, or limiting your availability outside work hours.
- Having a support system outside of work can be incredibly helpful when dealing with a toxic work environment. Turn to friends, family or a therapist.
- Self-care is essential when dealing with stress and anxiety. Consider exercise, meditation or simply doing something you enjoy.
- If you're experiencing bullying or harassment in the workplace, try to keep a record of any incidents. This will be helpful if you decide to speak to HR or take legal action in the future.
- Ultimately, if you're unable to cope with a toxic work environment, it may be time to start looking for a new job. Remember, your mental health and wellbeing should always come first.
When to make an exit
To decide if you should continue working in a toxic environment, it's important to assess how much it's impacting on your wellbeing. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
- How is this job affecting my mental health? If you're losing sleep and dreading going to work more often than not, it may be time to start looking for a new job.
- How widespread is the problem? Is it a systemic issue in the company or a few people? If you think it's a temporary situation, such as a particular colleague making life difficult, talk to a trusted manager or HR representative for help.
- Is the leadership toxic? If the top management is creating an ugly work culture, it's unlikely to improve, and leaving may be the best option.
- Are you experiencing harassment? If you're being subjected to any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, it's vital to report it to HR and keep a record of everything that happens.
The bottom line
If you struggle to cope with work-related stress, consider professional support. A therapist can help identify possible causes and solutions. Most importantly, remember that you deserve to work in a safe and reasonable environment.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.