Do gossip and competition prevail in your work? Do you think your superiors do not appreciate your skills? What real chances do you have of growing in the company you work for? These are some key questions to know if you are working in a toxic workplace.
Last update: 11 March, 2021
Regardless of whether we like the work we do or not, the environment in which it is done affects our results, our daily life and, ultimately, our quality of life. Surviving in a toxic workplace can be challenging, especially when discomfort reigns supreme and where dramas, quarrels and personal problems between colleagues are part of our routine.
Sometimes we feel uncomfortable when we think about certain aspects of our life, but we are not aware that the heart of the problem is a toxic work environment. We are often so used to this dynamic that we hardly notice it. Let's explore the topic in this article.
Analyze the work environment
Asking a few questions about our work, as well as the environment in which it is carried out, is vital for have the right perspective of the work situation in which we find ourselves and the possibilities we have within the company.
Generally the problems that arise between colleagues are the direct consequence of bad leadership. Therefore, a wrong way of managing a group of people, without synergy or mutual understanding, can lead to a toxic work environment.
Toxic leadership is characterized by contempt or disrespect for the work of team members.
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Lack of opportunity, characteristic of a toxic work environment
Evaluating the opportunities our current job offers us for the future, in the form of promotion and professional growth, is another important component in examining the quality of the work environment.
A wage lower than that corresponding to the workload performedas well as the absence of options to improve our employment status are some of the characteristics of a toxic work environment.
When leaders are unable to offer constructive feedback on their employees' work performance, or when there is constant doubt about the worker's decision-making process, the worker's future is uncertain.
There are companies, especially today, that create the illusion of making their workers feel lucky, but in return they offer them a toxic work environment. Clearly, most of us need to work, but accepting these kinds of conditions can be a trap that negatively affects many aspects of our life.
Finding the right balance between work and private life
Our work usually occupies an important place in our life. However, when you find yourself ad use your personal life to dedicate it to work, we are close to crossing the line that delimits a toxic work environment.
A good way to measure the extent of this situation is to pay attention to our topics of conversation during our free time: if they constantly revolve around our work, whether it is positive or negative comments, it means that there is something that it does not work.
If we are unable to stop, it is likely that our work has invaded our personal space in an excessive way.
Another way to measure the quality of our work environment is our health. If we are often sick or feel bad without knowing the true cause, we may experience emotional distress due to the toxic work environment in which we find ourselves.
Prepare to escape
When we recognize that we are in a toxic work environment, the first thing that comes to mind is to resign. Unfortunately, however, the labor market is difficult at this time and this change could prove complicated. But that does not mean that we are forced to suffer.
A change in routines and, above all, in our own expectations, can help improve our prospects for the future. While it can be difficult to "escape" from a toxic job, there are always alternative options to explore.
Go back to study, sign up for training courses or even preparing proposals are ideas that can be taken into consideration and that can broaden our working horizon. Be confident - they can end up paying off.
Learning to do something other than our current job is also a way to clear your mind and get out of the little circle that surrounds us in a toxic work environment.
Surviving in a toxic workplace is possible
One of the aspects to take into consideration when immersed in a work environment of this type is to what extent we are part of it. This is because the toxic mentality of a company is quickly transmitted to the employees, so it is good to ask ourselves to what extent we are involved.
You should also try to protect yourself from gossip. That is, evade toxic conversations between coworkers as much as possible and try not to participate, especially when it comes to personal offenses.
Complaining to colleagues about other people or situations is not of much use; on the contrary, it usually does not solve the problem and can actually aggravate it. Some tips that can help you survive in a toxic work environment are:
- Enjoy your free time.
- Carry out activities that clear the mind.
- Discover your creative abilities.
- Spend some time on activities that have nothing to do with work.
To deal with this situation, which may seem complex at first glance, it is advisable to establish new routines. For example, don't share too many personal details at work or take a walk outside the company at lunchtime.
It can also be helpful to cultivate friendships outside the workplace, not take work home, and establish new perspectives for your future.
By following these tips, it will be easier to smile mentally and feel better as we look for options for surviving in a toxic work environment. Without forgetting that with tenacity we will be able to avoid certain situations.
