How to Survive a Toxic Workplace

According to research by Westfield Health, over 64% of workers would leave their job if the culture of their workplace is negative, with 86% saying they are more productive if they are working in a good culture. Common signs that a workplace has a toxic culture are a high turnover of staff, poor communication and exclusion. If you are working in a toxic workplace, it can cause severe anxiety, distress and dread about going to work. These are some ways to handle a toxic workplace.

Focus on Job

In a toxic workplace, there is likely to be gossip, rumours and people generally being negative about others. The worst thing you can do in this case is to get involved in gossip. Not only will it affect your reputation, but it can also make you feel worse in the long run. The best thing to do when working in a toxic environment is to keep your head down, focus on your job and don’t get involved in anything negative. If people are gossiping to you, it is best to cut the conversation short, as it can be easy to let these conversations with toxic people in the workplace affect you.

Keep to Yourself

Unfortunately, someone can be your best friend in the workplace one day, and your enemy the next day. Workplaces can be a competitive place and some people will do anything to get to the top and may exhibit backstabbing behaviour. The best thing to do in the workplace is to keep yourself to yourself. You have your friends outside of work. Interact with others and stay friendly, but getting too close to people at work, especially in a toxic environment, can lead to disappointment.

Strict Hours

When you work in a toxic working environment, it can be all consuming, especially if you are feeling stressed and anxious about the workplace. In this case, it is important to be strict about your working hours. Having boundaries is important and better for your mental health. If you let your work spill into your personal life, you will never switch off from work and it can be detrimental to your mental health.

Speak to Someone

If possible, speak to someone that might be able to offer some support, such as a manager or HR department. Some managers are hands off, and may not be aware of how toxic the environment is. If you can find a confidant you can trust, they may be able to help, even if it is simply someone to talk to.

Find a New Job

It is not possible to work in a toxic environment for a prolonged period, as it will only lead to poor mental health. If you are feeling distressed by your working environment, it is often best just to remove yourself from the situation by leaving a toxic workplace. When you are searching for a new job it can make it easier to survive a toxic workplace.

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