A toxic workplace more or less resembles a dysfunctional family in many ways; marked by chaos caused by poor decision-making, high levels of resentment, stress, and a lack of mutual trust and support.

Working in a toxic environment can be  challenging, as it can take a heavy toll on one’s mental health, confidence, and self-esteem. While the typical advice is to either find a new job or raise the issues with HR, the reality is that finding another opportunity can be difficult and may take time. Additionally, HR may not always be able to address the root causes of your concerns, as their primary focus is often on protecting the company’s interests.

A toxic work environment hinders employees from performing their jobs effectively. By Learning how to deal with toxic work environment and coworkers, you can determine which strategies best suit your needs.

Signs you are in a toxic work environment:

Here are a few signs that your work environment may be toxic.

1. If your workplace makes you sick; both literally and figuratively, it is a sign that it is toxic. You may experience emotional changes such as increased anxiety, frustration, hopelessness and anger, and these may start affecting your personal life as well.
2. Micromanagement: In most cases you find your superior having excessive control over your and or other employees working. Superior checks in frequently constantly asking for progress updates multiple times a day or even hovering over you while you’re working.
3. Lack of recognition: In other cases, you may notice that your efforts and inputs go un-noticed. Even after completing a major project or achieving a goal, there’s no acknowledgment from your manager, team, or company and when there is recognition, its mostly not sincere.
4. Unreasonable expectations:  You are given excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, or no work-life balance. You’re constantly racing against impossible deadlines, often with little time to complete tasks thoroughly or properly.
5. Lack of collaboration:  Colleagues refuse to share information, resources, or insights needed to complete tasks or projects.

Keeping in mind, Toxic behavior doesn’t always stay within the boundaries of your department. When working cross-functionally, you might encounter negative behavior from colleagues in other teams or divisions.

How to deal with toxic work environment :

1. Be clear and assertive in your communication: When dealing with colleagues, be as clear and direct as possible about what you need from them, and set expectations for when you need it by. Clear communication can go a great way in reducing the chances of misunderstandings, and can signify your confidence and ability to handle situations well.
2. Self-regulate your emotions: Learn methods to regulate your emotions in high-energy situations so you can respond to a coworker’s actions in a constructive way. Try your level best to engage in un-meaningful confrontations over petty issues.
3. Seek mediation if necessary: If the situation is becoming a significant roadblock, consider asking your manager or a neutral third party to mediate and encourage more cooperation between departments. Could be tricky finding a neutral third party; but trust your gut and your assessment of the company culture and working relations.
4. Set boundaries and communicate openly: Try to set clear personal boundaries in a way that feels right for you. You can try to limit your exposure to certain situations or better yet avoid being dragged into unnecessary drama and only maintain a working relationship to protect your mental health.
5. Stay Professional: Keep focusing on your work and maintaining professionalism at all times. As difficult as it may be, it can help shield you from some of the negativity in the workplace.
6. Get another Job:  The toxicity that you could be facing, could be an indication that you are unwanted in the workplace and it’s intended to drive you out of that company, organization or role. When push comes to shove, consider leaving for another Job. Yes, times are hard, getting a job could take a while, but no Job is worth your mental peace and joy. Let’s face it, we all replaceable in the workplace, the moment an employee retires or dies, the company doesn’t hesitate to replace that person within a matter of days and life at the company will move on like nothing happened. Lose the Job but Never your Mind.