Sara Baker wrote a book titled The Toxic Workplace Survival Handbook to assist readers in overcoming challenging circumstances in the office.
It offers simple, doable solutions to assist individuals in either deciding when enough is enough, and it’s time to locate their next best job or lessening the negative impacts of the negativity on them.
An American Psychological Association research published in 2019 found that workplace toxicity is increasing and has been connected to an increase in depression, substance addiction, and other health problems.
The book by Sara Baker offers simple, doable methods for assisting people in lessening the negative impacts on them or determining when it is time to move on and locate their next great job.
How To Deal With Workplace Toxicity?
There are several ways to make a difference at work, including speaking out and exchanging ideas with coworkers or supervisors, enhancing your abilities and output, looking for networking or professional development opportunities, and raising your concerns.
1. Establish Boundaries
In a toxic work environment, it’s critical to establish limits and use the word no. This entails outlining precise and succinct limitations, such as taking a lunch break, refraining from arriving early or departing late, working on the weekends, or replying to your supervisor whenever they contact you.
To help you deal with the difficulties of working in a toxic workplace, consider seeking advice from a therapist or counsellor.
Those who are toxic may attempt to intrude on personal space, claim ownership of their work, or make irrational demands.
Establishing healthy boundaries with toxic individuals and work environments is crucial by politely and firmly rejecting them, placing time and energy restrictions, and putting your efforts instead into cultivating happy connections and seeking rewarding possibilities.
Self-care is not selfish but a critical first step to leading a contented and balanced life.
2. Have Control Over Your Pay
Concentrating on what you can manage, such as your actions and emotions, is crucial to endure a toxic work environment.
Instead, it would help you concentrate on what you can manage and control. One of the top priorities when working in a toxic space is having control over your salary and reductions.
Checking the amounts and deductions is important, from negotiation to monthly salary credits. Track your performance and leaves to provide proof when needed.
To know if you’re being paid fairly according to your job role, location, experience and other factors, you must find data to verify.
For example, if you’re working in a London-based company, check the average salary in London and understand what you should expect and how to present your expectations.
3. Do Not Carry Your Work Home
It’s crucial to balance discussing your difficulties and emphasising the good things in your personal life.
You must be aware of how frequently you discuss work with family members and ensure that most of your chats aren’t about your manipulative coworker or micromanaging employer.
Consider obtaining advice from a therapist or career counsellor if you frequently complain about your job to help you build coping mechanisms and locate a more satisfying position.
In order to connect with people on a more personal level and to take a break from the stress of work, it is also crucial to set aside time to chat about your interests, hobbies, and personal life.
4. Focus On The Important Goals
The most crucial information in this essay is that office gossip may poison the workplace and harm professional relationships.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that whatever is stated in confidence has the potential to become soon public and has unfavourable effects on both the gossiper and the topic of the gossip.
Instead, concentrate on creating strong bonds with coworkers and openly discussing problems or concerns.
It’s crucial to stop unproductive office gossip when you can or refuse to participate.
Furthermore, fostering an atmosphere of openness and honesty at work might prevent negative rumours from spreading and depleting morale.
5. Keep Your Identity Separated From Your Job
It is extremely important to prioritise self-care, interests, and relationships outside work and balance work and personal life.
Also, it’s critical to understand the warning signs of a toxic workplace and take precautions to safeguard oneself, such as setting limits, asking for help from coworkers, or thinking about changing jobs.
For the benefit of their employees’ health and general productivity, businesses also have a duty to manage and avoid workplace toxicity. Making your job your only identity will have you waking up in the morning anxious.
This can have serious repercussions on your mind and physical health.
Last, looking after your mental health is critical, and looking for a new career is a step toward enhancing general well-being.
