A toxic work environment is any that makes an employee feel uncomfortable, unappreciated, or even undervalued. This can extend from discrimination, bullying to more slight forms of poor communication, unprofessional conduct and an air of antagonism. It can come from boss, colleagues, juniors or customers.
What makes work environment unhealthy?
The demeanours of people which can easily make someone understand about the negative work environment and its effect are:
- Poor leadership quality of boss and unprofessional attitude of colleagues- it is not difficult to assume that if the captain of the ship is incapable of guiding the crew in the right direction, then how will he/she usher in positive sentiments in the heart of his/her employees and motivate them to work and more importantly like their work
- Imbalance between work and personal life- when someone is unable to work properly at the office, in order to complete the designated tasks he/she has to drag the work into their house. As a result, time for reading, spending time with family and other things are neglected.
- People are sometimes unhappy with their jobs because seniors in the company don’t let them grow, take juniors’ credit and undermine their work.
- You gradually feel that you are not as happy as you used to be. Constant anxiety, work pressure, limited recognition in office, criticism and continuous struggle makes anybody de-motivated and dissatisfied
How to cope with a toxic work environment
Sometimes people are not fortunate enough to know about what’s happening inside the company, even though they’ve asked the HR during hiring. Hence, to continue working without being effected needs some sort of shield.
Bring issues to the HR
It is the HR’s responsibility to ascertain positive work culture and in case there’s any kind of negative behaviour they should be taking steps to solve the situation.
Changing one’s mindset
While bringing the situation to HR is important, there is only so much which one cannot control in any workplace. Consequently, it is important to learn how to compartmentalise the pessimistic energy and practise mindfulness.
Knowhow of a healthy workplace!
- The organisation should provide for employees’ well-being by conducting wellness programs, stress management, Yoga, meditation and other programs
- Have a positive and open work environment, supportive leadership and management practices
- Opportunities for new learning and professional improvement.
- Team-oriented work culture and diversity in recruitment and encouragement of employees
- Practising transparency, high ethical standard which makes everyone keen to work
- Employee recognition and reward programs, fairly applied.