It’s normal to have one or two bad days at work or to feel some stress every once in a while. But if you feel stressed all the time, you feel drained and unmotivated to do your job, or you even dread the idea of going to work, then you may be working in a toxic workplace.
A toxic workplace can harm your physical and mental health, such as make you feel more anxious, depressed, stressed, or burnt out (Rasool et al., 2021). But what makes a workplace toxic in the first place?
You Feel Excluded by Your Coworkers
A company should make you feel welcomed and that you belong in the group no matter who you are. However, toxic coworkers can make you feel like you don’t belong. They may intentionally leave you out of projects or gatherings. Even if you put in the work and try to get along with them, they may push you away or not notice you. Such a workplace can make you feel like you’re not even there (Anjum et al., 2018; Rasool et al., 2021)
You Are Bullied or Harassed
Bullying and harassment are some of the main signs of a toxic workplace (Rasool et al., 2021). For example, they may intimidate or be aggressive towards you or other coworkers. They may belittle you by devaluing your ideas or undermining your efforts. They may threaten to harm you or make you lose your job, or they may make microaggressions towards you. They may also tell inappropriate jokes or make unwanted sexual advances. Whatever form they take, bullying and harassment may make you feel hurt, uncomfortable, or unsafe in your company.
Your Coworkers Exhibit Narcissistic Behaviors
Narcissism can be characterized as self-centeredness, arrogance, and lack of empathy. If your coworkers or supervisors exhibit such behaviors, then it can foster a toxic workplace (Anjum et al., 2018; Rasool et al., 2021). For example, they may desire praise and recognition but refuse to accept feedback. They may take credit for the team’s success but blame them for their failures. They may also be extremely competitive and jealous towards others to the point they try to tear them down or manipulate them.
Your Leaders Lack Concern
Leaders, such as CEOs, managers, and direct supervisors, may just be one part of the company, but they play a major role in upholding a toxic work environment. Toxic leaders generally focus on their own interests, lack concern, and desire control (Abbas & Saad, 2020; Appelbaum & Roy-Girard, 2007). For example, they want to control every aspect of the organization to the point they micromanage. They want results even at the cost of their subordinates’ well-being. They may give non-constructive criticisms and be aggressive towards their own employees for their own sake as well.
Your Organization Lives on a Constant State of Crisis
The workflow itself may also be a source of toxicity. A workplace surviving on a constant state of crisis can be detrimental to its employees. You always feel stressed, or you feel rushed because deadlines are tight. The processes are ineffective, so the company is unable to achieve its goals and commitments. Everyone only provides short-term solutions, so problems may always arise. Additionally, there is poor communication between everyone, and everyone is driven by their own self-interests (Appelbaum & Roy-Girard, 2007).
Coping with a Toxic Workplace
If you’re an employee in a toxic workplace, here are some things you can do:
Form a support group among your coworkers – Not everyone in the organization may be toxic. Try to find people you can trust amongst your coworkers to ally and confide with.
Set boundaries – Keep work-related matters separate from your personal life. This is so toxicity from the workplace does not weave into or overtake other aspects of your life.
Minimize time with toxic coworkers – Sometimes it’s better to just stay away from the toxicity. Try to minimize interactions with toxic coworkers and only engage with them if you have to.
Practice self-care and coping strategies – After work, engage in activities that can uplift your mood. These can be writing in your journal, talking to a friend, doing meditation or yoga, or treating yourself after work.
Leave your job – If the toxic environment is too much to handle or does not seem like it will improve, it’s alright to leave the organization. Secure other job opportunities and plan how you will leave the company.
We at Fidecita wish you the best in your mental health endeavors. Click here to know more about Fidecita HR Advisory’s Mental Health Care services.
References:
Abbas, M., & Saad, G. B. (2020). An empirical investigation of toxic leadership traits impacts on workplace climate and harassment. Talent Development & Excellence, 12(3), 2317-2333. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343038418_An_Empirical_Investigation_of_Toxic_Leadership_Traits_Impacts_on_Workplace_Climate_and_Harassment
Anjum, A., Wang, X., Siddiqui, A. F., & Rasool, S. F. (2018). An empirical study analyzing job productivity in toxic workplace environments. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(5), 1035. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15051035
Appelbaum, S. H., & Roy-Girard, D. (2007). Toxins in the workplace: Affect on organizations and employees. Corporate Governance, 7(1), 17-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/14720700710727087
Rasool, S. F., Wang, M., Tang, M., Saeed, A., & Iqbal, J. (2021). How toxic workplace environment effects the employee engagement: The mediating role of organizational support and employee wellbeing. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2294. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052294
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