Learn The Signs Of A Toxic Work Environment And How To Handle It

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Finding an ideal job is hardly an easy task. What makes it more complex is distinguishing if the company has a decent workplace before accepting the job offer. However, by asking the right questions in an interview, the interviewer might reveal a glimpse of the company's culture. As for those who are currently experiencing a toxic work environment, it could mean it is time for you to seek help or to plan your exit strategy.

So, how do you know if you are in one, and what can you do to keep yourself from falling apart, both emotionally and mentally? A toxic work environment is a place where a person works for a living with conditions that can cause agitation and damage to their health in a prolonged period. 

The first step to identify the physical signs of a toxic workplace is to observe how your body is reacting to work.

• You used to enjoy what you do, but now you don't.
• You were once excited to go to work, but now "work" is your most disliked word in the dictionary.
• Once upon a time, you push hard to do better every time. And now the thought of having to do it all over again repulses you.
• Your hobbies and social life have disappeared. The pandemic aside, you are no longer interested in what you once love to do during spare time. You have also put all social activities to a halt.
• A flood of emotions rushes into you every day. You feel burned out. Even eight hours of sleep felt like you have had none.

If you think that it could be just the change of interest in your job preference, you might be right. But it isn't a good sign if you check off the list above and feel an overwhelming level of stress daily.

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Stress is a natural response when we feel threatened, and our body will naturally fall into a "fight or flight" mode. A chemical reaction that occurs within our body that allows us to respond in a way to prevent injury. You will know that it has reached an alarming stage when it makes you sick, both mentally and physically.

To further affirm your body's reaction to the environment, these are a few clear indicators of workplace toxicity.

1. A narcissistic leader is in-charge. When his or her priority is all about "me, myself and I" at the expense of the employees. The characteristics of a narcissist are typically arrogance, dominance and hostility. Often, narcissist mistake self-obsession with confidence. The main difference, confidence considers the wellbeing of others. What a victim of a narcissist experiences includes, but are not limited to:

• Verbal abuse or continuous faultfinding: you are often humiliated in front of your colleagues directly or "jokingly" about your imperfections.
• Sensitive to criticism: Jokes on you but never on a narcissist. You have to be careful with your words when asked for feedback and can never point it out what they have done wrong or correct them in public.
• Work-life NO balance: your leader expects you to work tirelessly during working hours, lunch hours, after working hours, weekends, public holidays, and on vacations. When you voice out your need to have a break, they label you as lazy and unmotivated.
• Micromanaging: they continually want to be in control. When employees are out of sight, it means chaos. Trust plays a vital role in a leader and employee relationship. It improves productivity and increases the levels of engagement.

2. Your workplace experiences high turnover. It shouldn't be too hard to notice if the workplace is toxic or not, especially if you are new to the company. You will see that something is off when they have a high turnover. Of course, there are many reasons why people leave their job but don't rule out the fact that a toxic culture causes it.

3. Lack of enthusiasm. Zero to no positive communication between colleagues, people are often moody and hardly smile. When it comes to after-work gatherings, they can't wait for it to end before it even starts.

4. Taking turns to fall sick. When stress level increases, it harms people's health. You will notice that colleagues are taking sick leaves, one after another. It is worst when a sick colleague insists or forced to enter the office to continue work. 

5. Cliques at work. A scenario we had experienced when we were in school, but this is the adult's version. Everyone is for themselves. There are endless disagreements, comparison, competition, rumours and gossips amongst employees, separating the popular ones from the outcasts.

Since the beginning of the year, COVID-19 has disrupted the recruitment landscape. Switching jobs wouldn't be as seamless as we want it to be today. Plus, finding a new job takes time. Meanwhile, you shall put your focus into handling the issue. So, hang in there! Here are some ways to handle a toxic environment.

1. Choose activities that can help you relieve stress after work. Participate in a heart-pumping cardio workout or a calming yoga session to sweat the negativity out. Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce our body's stress hormone. 
2. Find your support group, whether it is another colleague at work who felt the same or an online forum. Speak with someone who can relate to your problem and seek advice from those who has experienced and survived a toxic work culture.
3. Create lists of tasks to keep you motivated. Plan your week and give yourself a reason to look forward to. And give your one hundred per cent to achieve them all within a timeline you have set for yourself. Alternatively, you can write down your career goals and stick to them. 
4. Record everything you do. A precautionary measure in case something unpleasant happened, and you need to file a complaint with proof to support.
5. Start searching for your next career opportunity. Don't wait; make time to start your job search. People tend to procrastinate doing tasks that require a lot of effort to perform. Especially when one is drowning in an ocean of stress and despair. Gather your strengths start preparing your exit plan, you can do it!

In conclusion, no one should ever work in a toxic environment. You have gained the upper hand learning the signs of a toxic workplace, and ways to handle them. Go on your own pace in your next job search. We wish you the best of luck in finding a better job where you will genuinely enjoy working in. 

If you need help with your job search, visit our career page to check out the job openings we have. You can also submit your updated resume here. Adecco cares and is ready to help you!