Are you working in a toxic work environment or job? Should you leave?
Most people, I have talked to, are of the opinion, leave! Heard all the other remarks, "think of your mental health", "nothing is worth what you are going through", "you will find something better". Leave!
What about if you enjoy the culture, other colleagues or maybe just not in the best position to effect a job change right now?
I am going a mile a minute. Lets' go back to the beginning.
What constitutes a toxic work environment? Simplest description is a job where there is no happiness to be experienced.
It is ok to dislike your job or parts of it. It is something else to feel completely sick (stomach churning sick) at even the thought of just going in. If you are unable to find at least one redeeming quality about your job, then it may be toxic.
A toxic environment is a role where either the atmosphere, people, management, culture or any combination makes you so ill. It will spill into other areas of your life.
Your job may also be toxic when you are dragged down by colleagues, dealing with suffocating policies, micro managing managers and the only high you receive is when you leave at the end of the day.
If you nodded along with any of the description above, you may be in a toxic role or work environment.
Is it worth it to stick it out in a toxic work environment? Honestly No!
At times, the situation is an unmanageable one and beyond saving. No role is worth emotional stress, physical stress, humiliation or abuse. Get out as soon as possible. Formulate and execute an exit strategy.
If you can, find an alternate role or prep for a safety net (financial or internship to build further skills before you take the plunge for another role) etc.
Bottom line is LEAVE!
There are certain instances where, leaving is not a viable option for whatever reason. In that instance, you need to protect yourself.
What is the root cause of the toxic situation? Let us be clear, it will not change! Be it manager or colleague, are they on their way out? If not, can you transfer to another unit (be away from the toxic reason?) If the answer is yes to either, then worth staying.
Be realistic with the possibility of change and if this is not likely, LEAVE!
Toxic work environment/jobs are very draining both physical and emotionally. It can also drain away your willpower to effect change. As such, maintain focus on the end goal and remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible.
While I acknowledge not everyone has the luxury to leave due to other factors, there are short term solutions which may work for you.
Lets' explore them.....
Within the environment, ensure there are supporting colleagues who can watch out for you and provide much needed support. Essentially do not be on your own.
Keep your head down and perform your tasks excellently. If you can go above what is expected, please do so. Your performance will speak for itself.
Document, document and document! This is a simple advise I provided to a mentee. This is evidence! Ensure you track received/read on all emails to the difficult colleague/manager. Make documentation a habit of even chats and meetings. Document on the nature and points discussed. Share with all parties to ensure you are all on the same page. If there is a discrepancy on your understanding or their communication, this can be caught and clarified early enough to make amends.
Try to keep a notebook of daily activities at work. This can be a much needed evidence/defence as well as keep track of completed and pending tasks.
Ensure you are organised. Even your mails. Have folders for all headings. that will make it easier to locate information which may be used as evidence.
Once you are able to stand up for yourself with receipts, difficult managers/colleagues may back off.
Personal clashes or personal agendas may also be a reason for the toxic work environment. A colleague/manager may have it out for you for any reason, like showing them off, dragging you down to prop themselves up, clothing, jewellery, good personality etc. Hold firm to the thought that. This is not your fault and focus on the job. Stay away from office gossip and confrontation.
However, if a confrontation finds you, don't back down! don't roll over. It sends a signal that you are a victim. Stand your ground. However, pick your battles wisely but don't let workplace bullying go unchallenged.
Had a colleague who would shout and scream to get her way. Essentially throw a tantrum over any issue expecting myself and other colleagues to back down. Refused to get drawn into a slanging match. Once she simmered down, retirated my point and walked away. Be assertive!
In conclusion, no matter how bad that work environment, take it as a learning experience in dealing with a different facet of humanity.
I am here to help anyone who can nod to any of the descriptions above......Night all.
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