Many of us have found ourselves in this situation, evolving in a toxic professional environment can be extremely taxing mentally, emotionally and physically. The purpose of this article is to give you the means of “survival” and to offer you some solutions in order to deal with it as effectively as possible in order to protect your well-being.
Always remain professional
Even if you evolve in a complicated environment, you must strive at all times to maintain a high level of professionalism. This should allow you to avoid certain complications and thus strengthen your reputation as a competent person on whom one can count.
Try to find solutions internally
Try to talk about it with people outside your direct professional circle. Human resources can be a good relay if possible. They could offer you solutions or alternatives internally. You can also talk to your direct supervisor if he or she is not clear about the cause of this harmful environment.
Set boundaries with your colleagues
You must imperatively protect your personal space and not share your emotions with your colleagues. Clearly show what is acceptable to you and what is not. By leaving your colleagues outside your personal space, you will also protect yourself outside the professional framework.
Keep your privacy to yourself
It is imperative to dissociate private and professional life in a toxic environment. When possible, you should keep your attendance at work-related social events to a minimum.
Document everything that is likely to be
If you were to face cases of discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behavior, you must document each incident. Indeed, this would allow you to forward your dependents to your immediate superior as well as to human resources if the situation were to worsen.
Invest your time in continuing education
Try to train yourself continuously. If training solutions are available in-house, ask to take part. Otherwise, find opportunities externally. Indeed, this will allow you, if necessary, to look for a job in another company while strengthening your self-confidence.
Try investing in resilience methods
Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or any other stress management method can be very beneficial when living in a toxic environment. Indeed, these methods, easily accessible via applications or on the internet directly, take very little of your time and can help you feel better.
Explore your options
If the situation did not improve or on the contrary were to deteriorate, it may be time to leave and look for a new job. In some cases, leaving is the best option for the well-being of the affected person.
In the end, you are the only person who can recognize whether or not your professional environment is toxic for you. If you feel that you are no longer comfortable in your work environment, it may be time for you to evaluate all the options available to you in order to avoid more serious consequences such as burnout.