4 Ways to Identify You Are in a Toxic Workplace and How to Deal With It!

Image via CreateHerStock

We have all had trouble at work, dull assignments, irritable bosses, and gossipy coworkers, but sometimes, all the small factors that make a day at the office a drag can come together, creating something far worse: a toxic workplace.

A toxic workplace is a work situation that feels psychologically unbearable, not because of the actual work that you do but because the emotional dynamics of the place are so deeply dysfunctional. 

In a toxic workplace, you might be bullied by bosses or coworkers. Policies might be unclear, and hard work might go unrecognised. Sound familiar?

The following points will help you to identify if you are in a toxic workplace:

Unfairness

If you do the work of two or three people and receive little or no appreciation or compensation, or your coworkers steal your ideas and take the credit. 

Immoral and Illegal Activities

If your coworkers or boss ask you to cover or lie for them, you are asked to falsify data, reports or documents.

Abusive Bosses and Poisonous Coworkers

If you or others suffer sexual harassment or your bosses and peers rely on fear and intimidation to get things done. 

Invasion 

If your coworkers interrupt your work, always invade your space, and help themselves to your files, even constant gossip or spying indicates that you are in a toxic workplace. 

Any above issues indicate a toxic environment and should not be tolerated. Unfortunately, many women in the workplace often believe these problems are the cost of doing business and must be endured. Also, many women struggle with speaking up and suffer in silence.

Detoxifying Your Workplace

How you respond to any of these problem areas depends on you, on the level of threat of the situation poses and on the supportiveness of the company. The first step to freeing yourself from a bad work situation is understanding that you are in one - not always an easy task. 

So, use the points below as a guide to help get out of your toxic workplace - the key is always speaking up!

Do Not Confront 

Situations where you are in physical danger should be handled urgently. Step away, and don't antagonise. But don't let it go. Report the problem to your HR or supervisor if there is no HR department.

If your supervisor is the threat, seek the next higher level. Sharing your experience with someone who is knowledgeable about these challenges can serve as a great guide to getting out of the situation.

Plan Your Exit 

Some companies have a culture of dysfunction. If the toxicity is coming from the top down and affecting your work and who you are (your integrity, values, and character), you are better off coming up with an exit strategy. 

Exit Strategy 

Give yourself a timeline for leaving and start working on it. Focusing on a more positive future will help your stress level in that hostile environment.

Learn how to protect yourself by keeping your bridges intact and not hurting your professional prospects. 

Talk to a lawyer if something makes you uncomfortable and goes beyond a normal office dispute.

You shouldn't have to leave because of a bad boss or insufferable coworkers. But if the situation prompts you to start the company you've always dreamed about, that's not bad. The bottom line is you don't have to suffer in silence.

How do you navigate a toxic environment? What self-care routines do you adopt to help you deal with stress?

---