Everybody has gone through periods when work is stressful and they dread having to go in. But when the workplace becomes a source of constant stress, it’s more than just a string of bad days. It’s a sign of a toxic workplace. When being treated unfairly becomes a chronic problem, work gets harder to do and your mental health begins to suffer.
The effects from a toxic workplace spill over into other parts of life, affecting our happiness, health, and even our relationships with friends and family. The stress can be overwhelming, which ends up causing sleepless nights and anxiety. It’s a big problem that can make us feel trapped. In this article, we’ll go over some tips to help you change things.
1 – Build a support network
Chances are that you’re not the only one feeling the effects of a toxic workplace. Many times, other people at work feel the same way you do. They also want things to get better. Start by having quiet conversations. Share your thoughts about making the workplace more positive and see who responds well. These people can become your support network in creating change.
Coworkers that act as bullies or managers who single people out for abuse that create a hostile work environment is an adverse action that can be reversed when you have people on your side.
This network can be a safe space to share experiences and ideas for making your workplace more welcoming and less stressful. It’s about building a community at work where everyone feels they belong and can contribute positively.
2 – Communicate clearly
Clear communication is fundamental to turning a toxic workplace into a more positive environment. It all starts with asking questions for clarity’s sake. This means encouraging honest conversations about what is expected from everyone at work. Clear expectations can reduce misunderstandings and frustration.
To make this happen, it’s important to have good ways for giving and getting feedback. Many workplaces already have systems for this, like meetings or performance reviews. But sometimes, these aren’t enough or don’t work well. If that’s the case, it might be time to suggest new ways to share feedback.
This could be a simple suggestion box, regular one-on-one check-ins, or even an online forum. The idea is to create spaces where feedback is welcomed and used to make things better for everyone.
3 – Conflict resolution
Conflicts at work are common and expected. It’s when they become constant that things need to be resolved so they don’t cause a toxic environment. Communication is key in resolving conflicts so try to really listen to what the other person is saying. Sometimes, just understanding each other can help a lot. Then, try to find a solution that works for everyone.
If you can’t fix the problem by talking to each other, you might need to ask a manager or HR to help. They can look at the problem without taking sides and help find a solution.
