By Osarennoma Ogbeide
Toxic friends here and there, toxic statements on social media, toxic work environment now and then. Besides telling bad energy to stay far away, it is important to be able to recognize when certain situations have become toxic to your mental health and be bold enough to handle the situation.
When something, someone or a situation is unpleasant or harmful to you, it screams toxicity. The harm caused could have adverse effect on your mental state, physical health and productivity.
If certain statements people make are harmful to you and how you think, then you need to ward them out. Constructive criticism is allowed, yes. However, intentional verbal battery and oppression is just unnecessary and all sorts of wrong.
With the surety that a good number of people will one day be in a work environment, it’s important to identify signs of a toxic work environment.
No work-life balance: it’s good to be dedicated to your wok but when it becomes detrimental to other areas of your life, you need to take a closer look. If your job doesn’t allow you time for anything other than work, then it calls for concern. Your job shouldn’t flourish at the sake of your health, family or social life. All work and no play…
Unmotivated co-workers: this is a confirmation that the toxicity in the air of the office is experienced by your fellow co-workers, demotivation directly causes low productivity. Imagine what the consequences of this would be in an already toxic environment. One would probably be thrown with so many deadlines and workload with little or no regard for employee’s persona life.
Harassment: if thinking or stepping into your workspace gives you anxiety, I smell toxicity pungently. Especially if you are constantly bullied at work either by a superior or a clique, it can automatically cause mental and emotional stress. You feel burn out even before you actually get any work done. These work bullies do the best in their power to stifle your growth and make your stay there unbearable.
Poor leadership, retrogression, discrimination, suppression and bias are other clear signs that you’re in a toxic work space. As soon as your gut tells you that, then you know you have to do something about it, and fast!
To handle toxicity in the work place,
Don’t be toxic yourself: you can’t be the very evil you speak of. If you don’t want toxicity then you definitely shouldn’t bring that energy another person’s way. Ensure you’re not unconsciously bullying a colleague or spreading rumours. Better still, check yourself.
Develop solid friendships in the workplace: don’t have too many shallow friends. Building few solid and genuine relationships is better than being a ‘fake’ friend to everyone. Find people who share common values with you.
Let work issues end at work: carrying the baggage of work problems to your home or other hangouts will ruin your work-life balance. Once you close from work, remember to leave all work issues at your desk and ensure to take the rest of the day to clear your head, relax with family or hang out with friends because this life is once oh! Know where to draw the line.
Be positive: no matter how much negativity is coming your way, you have got to stay positive. If no one is there to cheer you on, you have to be your own cheerleader and remain positive. Fill your space with positive messages and affirmations or surround yourself with positive people.
While working on self-development, taking breaks, practising self-care, remember to plan your exit strategy. You can only handle so much toxicity for a little while, so start planning your exit strategy and have your back up plan. If your work environment has taught you that a 9-5 job isn’t for you, then you definitely need to have an idea of what business you want to venture into. Apply to other organizations, take courses, try another niche. Ensure you have plans in place for a better work space.
We aim for better and we sure want better too. So, don’t risk your sanity all because it’s your dream job. Your dream job shouldn’t just be about the place or the name but also about the fulfilment you derive and toxicity doesn’t in anyway equate to a fulfilled life.
