Toxic work environments are one of the major contributing factors to people quitting their jobs. According to a research done by MIT Sloan School of Management, toxic work environments were the driving force of different individuals quitting their jobs.
The study found that due to toxic cultures including failure to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, employees feeling disrespected and unethical behavior are among the reasons why people opt to quit their jobs.
Surviving toxic work environment anxiety is not easy, but it is absolutely possible.
Cheri Torres, an Asheville, North Carolina-based business leadership coach and author of Conversations Worth Having, says “a toxic environment keeps people in a fight or flight mindset—the constant pump of cortisol, testosterone, and norepinephrine generates physical, emotional, and mental stress,” she said.
She says you can’t do your best work when you work in a toxic workplace, and your health and well-being is at risk. Which is why many people opt to quit their jobs. However, not many can afford the luxury of quitting their jobs- at least not right away.
In that case, it’s essential to develop a healthy coping mechanism.
Here are some ways to stay positive and productive while helping you survive a toxic work environment:
Establish boundaries
Toxic work environment can be draining to an individual. Which is why it is critical to set up boundaries for yourself and those around you. You can do so by staying away from gossip which allows you to free yourself from negativity.
Create a positive workspace
While you may not be able to control or influence your work environment, however, you can decide how to decorate your workspace.
By hanging posters, pictures of people you love and posting up positive quotes.
And lastly always remind yourself that your job is not everything and that you have a happy life.
Find or create a social support group
It is always good to lean on people you trust to help you get through this difficult time.
Although there may be a lot of negativity at work, try to find positive colleagues that can boost your mood and help you feel less isolated. It can also be helpful to work with a mentor or coach if you think it’s time to search for other opportunities.
Take action
Report inappropriate behavior that you witnessed to appropriate authorities, such as senior leaders and/or HR.
Remember that your job isn’t everything
It is super important to avoid associating your happiness and self-worth only with your job. Your career is important, but so are family, friends, physical health, mental health, hobbies, and your community engagement and so much more. When things are not going well at work, focus on building up the parts of your life outside of work so that unhappiness with work will not dominate your feelings about life in general.
Also see: How to deal with workplace conflict
