A toxic work environment is the last place you'd want to find yourself in. Here are the signs you should look out for and how you can deal with them.
Photo credit: Wayhomestudio
A toxic work environment is where the work, people, or combination of other work-related issues causes disruptions that negatively affect your life. With time you realize something isn’t right and work isn’t as exciting as you thought it would be. It makes youYou get nervous and restless. This is a reaction to being in a toxic work environment.
So before you accept that job offer or even if you are already working, here are the red flags you should look out for:
1. Poor communication
It is well known that having clear communication is essential in every organization. Being in a workplace where you feel left out is a sign that something is wrong. In a case where there is insufficient information or suppression of feedback, it is a sign of poor communication in the workplace. This will lead to frequent misunderstandings since many employees don’t know what tasks need to be done.
2. Lack of good leadership
No matter how good an organization is, it won’t last if good leadership is lacking. When the top management doesn’t listen to the inputs offered by other team members and there is no support given, then it will negatively affect the company culture. Leadership is not only about exerting power but also having the employees’ best interest at heart.
3. Low employee morale
Are your co-workers supportive? Do they seem happy working there? If the answer is no, then there is a problem. The office becomes a negative environment where gossip and drama take place. The phrase “that’s not my job” is common for employees with low morale. Less work gets done which forces others to take it up causing resentment and mistrust among colleagues.
4. Work-life imbalance
There is no problem in loving your job. However, constantly overworking for long hours affects your mental and physical health. Being a workaholic leaves no time for family or friends. Focusing on one over the other only makes it unhealthy. You need to create time for a social life. The only way to do that is to work on how to balance the two.
5. Employee turnover
It has been said that people don’t leave jobs, they leave a toxic work culture. A higher turnover in a company means many employees are leaving the company. Inconsistency when it comes to filling vacant positions affects employees’ morale and the company’s performance will affect the company’s results.
How to deal with a toxic work environment
Now that you have recognized your work culture is toxic, how will you survive? It might seem intense at first but you can pull through and survive it. Let’s take a look at some strategies that you can use to help you cope:
1. Find a healthy mechanism
If tensions are high at work and you feel the need to talk to someone about it. You can reach out to like-minded work colleagues who can boost your morale and provide a positive outlook. If there is no one at work you can trust, there are other activities you can do to relieve the stress. For example; exercising, meditation, or listening to inspirational audios. The goal is to find a healthy way to keep you motivated in spite of the negativity in the office.
2. Establish boundaries
You need to create a work-life balance by setting boundaries. To block out the pressure from a toxic workplace, you can set days and time to take that much-needed break or vacation. It will help you recharge both mentally and physically.
3. Seek clarity
If there is any misunderstanding between you and a co-worker or top management, take the initiative and sort it out. Don’t allow any room for assumptions. Communicate and address the matter at hand. Come up with a healthy suggestion on how to settle conflict resolution at your workplace. By doing so, you are taking the first step and being part of the solution.
4. Stay focused and positive
Being in a toxic environment may seem hard to stay focused but it is possible. You need to create a positive workspace so that you can tune out negativity from the office. For example, make a list of the tasks that need to be completed by the end of the day. That will help you focus more on your work. Use your time wisely by getting the work done.
5. Exit strategy
As much as you hope for the best, sometimes you need to plan and follow a new path. If you feel that it is too toxic and you have had enough, then it is time to change your place of work. Leaving your workplace isn’t a sign that you are weak. It shows how bold you are to do what’s best for you. Start by looking for a better job in a company with a great culture, a company that is aligned to your career growth goals.
Conclusion
No one wants to work in a place that is constantly draining their energy or causing them sleepless nights. Unfortunately, many are and are not sure what to do next. Being in a toxic place can adversely affect your whole well-being. Most times you feel hopeless. You don’t have to feel that way anymore. Be sure to apply the strategies above to help you cope with a toxic work environment. Do what you can to make a positive workspace for you.
