9 Tips to Deal With a Toxic Work Environment

Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Milton Campbell

Toxic work environments can really impact every aspect of your life. They can lead to extra stress, depression, excessive tiredness, and even physical illness.

Although most jobs cause some sort of stress, excessive stress is something you should not have to deal with continually. If you really dread going to work every day it may be time to take action.

Signs You’re in a Toxic Workplace

  • Excessive Stress – As I stated earlier in the article, excessive workplace stress can be a sign that you’re in a bad work environment. Although some stress is common and can even be good, excessive stress can lead to a multitude of problems including health issues.
  • Lack of Trust in Bosses and Coworkers – You always want to be able to trust that your coworkers and bosses will have your back in the workplace.
  • High Turnover – If employees are constantly leaving, there’s probably something wrong with the workplace. This can be due to trust, supervision, or bad coworkers.
  • Constant Burnout Feeling – If you go home at the end of every workday feeling burnt out, you may be in a toxic workplace.
  • Dreading Going to Work – I’m not going to lie, most people would rather not have to go to work but does the thought of going to work make you physically ill. This is a pretty sure sign that you are in a toxic work environment.
  • Frequent Negativity – When a work center is filled with constant negativity or mainly people that are negative, it can be hard for anyone to be positive. These emotions and feelings are very contagious and can definitely lead to a toxic environment.
  • Lack of Motivation – If everyone is lacking motivation in a work center, chances are there is a much bigger problem than just bad employees. This can be a sign that something in leadership needs to change.

What Causes Toxic Work Environments

Image of a book with words toxic work culture for the toxic work environment causes section.

Leadership, peers, or even subordinates can cause a toxic work environment. Once you figure out what is causing the toxic work environment you can begin trying to fix it.

  1. Attitude – Attitude can really make or break the morale of the workplace. If everyone around you is constantly negative it can really be tough for you to not get sucked into the negativity. The attitude of a boss can really affect those within their supervision. If the boss is constantly angry or negative, the employees under them can suffer.
  2. Narcissism – This can be anybody from top to bottom. If somebody believes they can do no wrong, it really makes it hard for people around them to keep doing the right thing. This culture can lead to a multitude of problems. This can make it extremely hard for those that try to do the right things, especially if the narcissist receives praise for their actions.
  3. Poor communication Communication is key in the workplace. Leadership needs to be able to communicate their goals and provide feedback to their employees. Communication must be good between peers in order to stay on the same page and continue working towards the goals of leadership. Subordinates must be able to communicate with their bosses in order to discuss and eliminate barriers in order to do their job efficiently.
  4. Excessive work hours – Working too many hours can really put a burden on your professional and personal life. Some people can handle it better than others but everybody needs time to relax and get their mind off work. We all have lives outside of work that need to be taken care of.
  5. Lack of ethics – This can be anything from people claiming they were at work when they weren’t to something as extreme as harassment. A lack of ethics by just one person can impact a whole department, particularly when that person is getting away with their actions. When people exhibit a lack of ethics, trust and respect can be lost in the workplace causing a toxic environment.
  6. Lack of fairness – Good ole boys clubs are not good for the workplace. Both punishments and praise need to be fair. Favoritism can really damage the construct of a workplace. We are all human and sometimes we connect more with some people than others but those relationships must not affect the way reprimands and praise are handed out at the workplace. Employees should never expect special treatment at work because they are friends with the boss. If they are true friends they will understand the difference between work and personal relationships.
  7. Gossip – Gossip and rumors cause infighting and lack of trust. Trust is very important to a healthy work environment. When trust is lost between coworkers production and morale are diminished. Avoid gossip and spreading rumors about others. Sometimes you find out something personal about people and that should be kept between the two of you.

Tips to Deal With a Toxic Work Environment and Lead the Change

Image of toxic chemical representing a toxic workplace.

Be a leader

Being a leader in the workplace is not just about holding a position of power or authority; it’s about taking responsibility for your actions and setting an example for others. Whether you’re the boss or the lowest-ranking employee, you have the opportunity to step up and be a leader.

One of the most important aspects of being a leader is doing the right thing, even when others around you are not. It can be tempting to go along with the crowd or to prioritize your own interests over those of the organization, but this can have negative consequences for everyone involved. By setting an example of integrity and ethical behavior, you can inspire others to do the same.

Being a leader also means not getting sucked into toxic behaviors or attitudes. It’s easy to become negative or cynical when others around you are behaving poorly or the workplace culture is toxic. However, this only perpetuates the problem and contributes to a negative work environment. Instead, focus on maintaining a positive attitude and working to create positive change.

To be a leader, it’s important to take initiative and be proactive. Look for opportunities to improve processes, streamline workflows, or solve problems that others may not have noticed. By taking ownership of your work and being proactive, you can demonstrate your leadership skills and inspire others to do the same.

Finally, being a leader means being part of the solution, not the problem. Rather than complaining about the issues in the workplace, look for ways to address them and make positive changes. This may involve speaking up when you see something that needs to be addressed or taking on additional responsibilities to help improve the situation.

In summary, being a leader in the workplace is about taking responsibility, setting an example, maintaining a positive attitude, taking initiative, and being part of the solution. Whether you hold a position of power or not, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.

Get help

When faced with a toxic workplace culture or difficult workplace situation, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Getting help from others can be a powerful way to effect change and improve the situation.

One of the first steps in getting help is finding others who feel the same way you do. This may involve talking to colleagues or coworkers who have similar concerns or complaints. By sharing your experiences and concerns with others, you can begin to build a support network and gain a sense of solidarity and validation.

Once you’ve identified others who share your concerns, it’s important to work together to effect change. This may involve speaking up collectively to management or HR, or organizing a group meeting or workshop to address the issues at hand. The more people you have involved in the effort, the more effective it can be in pressuring those causing the problems to change their ways.

When working with others to effect change, it’s important to use one collective voice. This can be achieved by identifying common concerns and goals, and working together to articulate a clear and concise message. By speaking with one voice, you can be more effective in communicating your concerns and making your case for change.

In addition to being effective in effecting change, getting help from others can also be a boost for you and others involved in the effort. It can be empowering and motivating to realize that you are not alone in your concerns and that others share your commitment to making positive changes in the workplace.

In summary, getting help from others can be a powerful way to effect change and improve a difficult workplace situation. By building a support network, working together with others, using one collective voice, and realizing that you are not alone, you can create positive change and improve the workplace culture for everyone involved.

Talk to the offenders

When dealing with a difficult workplace situation or toxic workplace culture, it can be helpful to have an honest conversation with the people causing the issues. Many times, people are not aware that they are doing anything wrong, and a respectful conversation can be all it takes to turn things around.

The tone and approach of the conversation may vary depending on the position of the person causing the issues. When dealing with a subordinate, it’s important to be clear and direct about the behaviors or attitudes that need to change. This may involve setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback on how to improve.

When dealing with a peer, it’s important to approach the conversation from a place of mutual respect and understanding. This may involve acknowledging their perspective and concerns, while also expressing your own concerns and expectations. Finding common ground and working together to find solutions can be a powerful way to effect change.

When dealing with a supervisor, it’s important to approach the conversation with professionalism and diplomacy. This may involve framing the conversation as a way to improve the overall functioning of the team or organization, rather than focusing on the behavior of any one individual. Providing specific examples and offering constructive suggestions for improvement can be effective in this context.

Regardless of the position of the person causing the issues, it’s important to approach the conversation with a tone of respect and understanding. This may involve active listening, acknowledging their perspective, and expressing your own concerns in a non-confrontational way.

If you’re unsure about how to communicate effectively with someone, there are many resources available that can help. One great resource is the website Mind Tools, which offers a wealth of information on effective communication techniques, including how to communicate with difficult people.

In summary, having an honest but respectful conversation with the people causing workplace issues can be a powerful way to effect change and improve the situation. By approaching the conversation with professionalism, diplomacy, and a tone of respect and understanding, you can communicate your concerns and expectations in a way that is more likely to be well-received.

Keep a positive attitude

Keeping a positive attitude in the workplace can have a significant impact on the overall culture and atmosphere. Positive attitudes are contagious, and by maintaining an optimistic and upbeat demeanor, you can help to create a more positive environment for yourself and those around you.

One of the reasons that positive attitudes are so powerful is that they can help to change the attitudes of those around you. When you approach situations with a positive attitude, you are more likely to inspire others to do the same. This can lead to a more collaborative and supportive workplace culture, where people are more willing to work together and help each other out.

On the other hand, negative attitudes can be extremely toxic and can quickly spread throughout the workplace. If you have a negative attitude, it’s important to recognize that this can have a significant impact on those around you. Instead of blaming others or focusing on the negative aspects of a situation, try to approach things with a more positive mindset.

Of course, it’s not always easy to maintain a positive attitude in the face of difficult situations or challenging coworkers. However, there are many strategies you can use to cultivate a more positive outlook. This may involve focusing on the things you are grateful for, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply taking a few deep breaths and reframing your thoughts in a more positive light.

In summary, keeping a positive attitude in the workplace can be a powerful way to improve the overall culture and atmosphere. By inspiring others to adopt a more positive mindset, you can help to create a more collaborative and supportive workplace environment. Remember that changing your own attitude is the first step in changing the attitudes of those around you, and that this can have a significant impact on the overall success and happiness of your team or organization.

Take some time off

Taking time off from work can be an effective way to improve your mental and physical health, which can in turn help you to approach workplace issues with a more positive attitude. Whether you take a short break or an extended vacation, giving yourself time to rest and recharge can have many benefits.

One of the key benefits of taking time off is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Workplace issues can be incredibly stressful, and if you’re constantly dealing with these problems, it can take a toll on your mental health. Taking a break from work can give you time to relax, de-stress, and reset your mind and body.

In addition to reducing stress, taking time off can also provide physical benefits. If you’re sitting at a desk all day or engaging in other sedentary work, taking time off can give you the opportunity to get up and move around more. This can help to improve your circulation, reduce muscle tension, and improve your overall physical health.

When you return to work after taking time off, you may find that you have a more positive attitude and renewed energy. This can help you to approach workplace issues with a fresh perspective and a greater sense of motivation. You may find that you have new ideas or insights that can help to solve problems or improve processes.

Of course, taking time off is not always possible or feasible for everyone. If you’re not able to take a vacation or extended break from work, there are other strategies you can use to improve your mental and physical health. This may involve taking short breaks throughout the day to stretch, meditate, or engage in other relaxation techniques.

In summary, taking time off from work can be an effective way to improve your mental and physical health, which can in turn help you to approach workplace issues with a more positive attitude. Whether you take a short break or an extended vacation, giving yourself time to rest and recharge can have many benefits for your overall well-being and productivity.

Blow off some steam

Blowing off some steam can be a great way to reduce stress and improve your mental state, which can in turn help you to approach workplace issues with a more positive attitude. When you feel the stress getting to you, taking a break to do something you enjoy can help you to relax and reset your mind.

There are many different activities you can engage in to blow off steam and reduce stress. For some people, physical activity like going to the gym, running, or playing sports can be a great way to release tension and improve their mood. Others may prefer more low-key activities like reading, listening to music, or watching a movie.

The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and that helps you to relax and unwind. By taking a break from work and engaging in something that brings you joy, you can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

In addition to reducing stress, blowing off some steam can also help to improve your productivity and effectiveness as an ambassador of change. When you return to work after taking a break, you may find that you have renewed energy and motivation, which can help you to approach workplace issues with a more positive and creative mindset.

Of course, it’s important to strike a balance between blowing off steam and staying focused on your goals. While it’s important to take breaks and engage in activities that help you to relax and unwind, it’s also important to stay focused on the task at hand and remain committed to making positive changes in the workplace.

In summary, blowing off some steam can be a great way to reduce stress and improve your mental state, which can help you to approach workplace issues with a more positive attitude. By engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you to relax, you can improve your overall well-being and productivity as an ambassador of change.

Don’t be a part of the problem

It’s easy to get caught up in workplace issues and become part of the problem, but it’s important to remember that we have the power to be part of the solution. Once we understand what is causing the issues, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate our own actions and behaviors to ensure that we are not contributing to the problem.

If we find that we are indeed part of the problem, the first step is to take responsibility and make a commitment to change. This may involve changing our own behavior, attitudes, or habits to ensure that we are not contributing to workplace issues.

Making a change in ourselves can be challenging, but it’s an important step in becoming an effective agent of change. By taking responsibility for our own actions and behaviors, we can lead by example and inspire others to do the same.

It’s also important to remember that changing others is not always within our control. While it’s important to communicate our concerns and work collaboratively with others to address workplace issues, we cannot force others to change their behavior. Instead, we must focus on changing ourselves and modeling the behavior we want to see in others.

In summary, being part of the solution requires taking responsibility for our own actions and behaviors and committing to making positive changes in ourselves. By doing so, we can lead by example and inspire others to do the same. While we cannot force others to change, we can work collaboratively with them to address workplace issues and create a more positive and productive environment for everyone.

Report the offenders

Reporting offenders in the workplace can be a difficult decision to make, but it’s important to remember that it’s not only the right thing to do, but it can also help to create a happier and healthier workplace for everyone.

When we witness behavior in the workplace that is inappropriate, unethical, or illegal, it’s important to report it. This not only protects us from potential harm, but it also sends a message that such behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

Reporting offenders can be done through various channels, such as human resources, management, or a designated reporting hotline. It’s important to follow company policies and procedures for reporting offenses, as well as any legal requirements.

Reporting offenders can also help to create a safer and more positive work environment. By holding offenders accountable for their actions, we can deter others from engaging in similar behavior and create a culture of respect and professionalism in the workplace.

However, it’s important to note that reporting offenders can also have potential consequences, such as retaliation or negative backlash from others. It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of reporting and to take steps to protect yourself if necessary.

In summary, reporting offenders in the workplace is an important step in creating a happier and healthier work environment. It sends a message that inappropriate behavior is not acceptable and can help to deter others from engaging in similar actions. While there may be potential risks involved, it’s important to follow company policies and procedures for reporting and to take steps to protect yourself if necessary.

Find another job

If you’ve exhausted all other options and still find yourself unhappy in your current job, it may be time to consider finding a new job. While leaving a job can be a difficult decision, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being and happiness.

Before leaving your current job, it’s important to start the job search as early as possible. This can involve updating your resume, networking with contacts in your industry, and applying for job openings that align with your skills and interests.

It’s also important to consider the potential consequences of leaving your job, such as financial instability or a gap in employment. It’s important to have a backup plan in place, such as savings or a part-time job, to help support you during the job search process.

When searching for a new job, it’s important to be strategic and intentional. This may involve targeting specific companies or industries, developing a strong online presence, and practicing your interview skills.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that finding a new job takes time and effort. It’s important to be patient and persistent in the job search process and to remain open to new opportunities and experiences.

In summary, finding a new job is a viable option if you’ve tried all other tips to improve your current work situation and still feel unhappy. It’s important to start the job search process early and to have a backup plan in place. Being strategic and intentional in the job search process can help to increase the chances of finding a fulfilling and satisfying new job.

Wrapping it up

Although dealing with this situation can be rough, it’s not the end of the world. The quicker you realize the environment you’re in, the easier it is to fix it. If you can recognize the reasons, you can begin working on eliminating them. Always leave yourself an out, like another job, so if things get too bad you have options.

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