¿Cómo se puede navegar por un ambiente de trabajo tóxico?

One of the things that I have found to be helpful is seeking a professional coach to help in the shaping of your personal narrative. Our personal narrative can be a strong resource when navigating challenge. Our personal narrative can help us better understand the dynamics of the workplace, motives and other potential limitations. Toxicity can often be infectious and protecting yourself from the impact of its sting must become an intentional act. Seek help/support the journey can be draining.

Navigating a toxic work environment often feels like trying to find calm in a storm. In my journey, identifying the source of toxicity has been akin to seeking the eye of that storm. Once pinpointed, the chaos becomes more navigable. In my experience, it's crucial to approach this step with a mix of introspection and observation. I’ve found that maintaining an objective stance while recognizing patterns in behavior or policy can illuminate the root causes of a toxic environment. This clarity has empowered me to tailor my responses effectively and advocate for constructive change.

You have to confront it to change it. Confront your triggers and explore what exactly is effecting you and how. Build a case of what you see and when (this can avoid gaslighting). Research work policies and practices and highlight where these areas are breached. Note all stations of help (union, HR, Senior management even maybe resource groups) and see which place feels safest to open up in. If you can, have an advocate or witness, even if this means dialling in your sister into a teams meeting. Find ways to cope whilst things are being confronted and protect your mental health - when you have all the above set.. Go on a be a sharp shooter! I’m sure others will thank you for it.

Open communication is key here. First, address the unhealthy behaviors with the person that affects you in a negative way. Avoid judgment or blame, but share only how this behavior affects your mental and emotional well-being, your productivity, or your relationship with this person or with the whole team. Avoiding this person and carrying this dissatisfaction inside you will only get the situation worse: resentment and burnout are some of the possibilities. Be open with what you need from that person and try to find together solutions on how your professional co-existence can survive this tension. If this doesn't work, involve people from the managing level in order to find a compromising solution without contaminating the whole team.

Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect. In my entrepreneurial journey, I've learned that clear boundaries are vital for sustaining one's values in the face of adversity. I've advised my team members to voice their limits with confidence, as I have done in my career. By articulating our non-negotiables, we create a protective perimeter around our professional well-being. It's not about building walls; it's about drawing lines that honor our work-life balance and personal dignity.

The power of a robust support network cannot be overstated. When I faced challenges, turning to trusted colleagues, mentors, and my personal circle gave me the fortitude to persevere. I encourage anyone in a toxic environment to cultivate such connections. Whether it's a professional mentor or a friend, having a sounding board can transform feelings of isolation into a shared experience, fostering resilience and perspective.

Toxic environments can cloud your vision. Keeping your goals in the spotlight acts as a beacon through the fog. During my times of trial, reaffirming my goals provided me with a sense of purpose and helped me navigate through negativity. I believe in setting SMART goals as a compass to guide your daily actions, ensuring you're moving forward, even when the environment tries to pull you back.

A negative work environment can be very difficult to deal with, especially when there is a lack of managerial support, unclear goals, unattainable expectations, unresolved conflicts, or animosity between teams or individuals. In such situations, it's crucial to prioritize self-care. While it may seem selfish, taking care of yourself first is necessary to maintain a positive mindset and perform your best each day. Besides getting enough sleep, nutritious meals, and exercise, broaden your self-care strategies. Identify your unique needs: if having meaningful relationships is important to you, start connecting with those who are open to it. By taking proactive and positive steps, you can combat the negative effects of a toxic environment.

Exploring alternatives is about recognizing your right to a healthy work environment. When I faced my own crossroads, weighing my options was empowering. From subtle shifts like departmental transfers to major leaps like starting my own venture, each possibility carried the potential for positive change. I encourage individuals to view their skillsets as tools for mobility and to embrace the journey towards a more fulfilling professional path.

Most importantly recognise that you deserve a safe, respectful, and protected work environment. 1. Whenever possible, remove yourself from harmful people and situations. 2.Clearly define and maintain your personal and professional boundaries. 3. Keep a record of negative interactions and report them to trusted individuals, both inside and outside your organization. 4. Be aware of the potential detrimental effects on your mental and physical health. 5. Don't hesitate to reach out for help, whether through professional counseling, support groups, or trusted colleagues. 6. Above all take the necessary steps to safeguard your overall well-being. Toxic work environments seriouly damage lives and should never be tolerated.

A toxic workplace is full of complicit people. Everyone knows it and feels it and says nothing. People leave and the problem continues because nothing was addressed. Speaking up and calling it out has to be the way forward. If toxicity comes from the top, change will be harder as they set the tone. If it's a manager, team mate/s it's easier to address. Do you have trusted people you can talk too? Can you speak to HR in confidence? The business already knows as it shows on annual surveys. What are they going to do about it? Ask HR. Ask the general manager. Everyone has to get better at calling things out. It takes courage, but if nothing is said you'll get more of the same. Speak in confidence to HR.

Don't be the lobster in the pot of water. Toxicity is an environmental problem, and most people don't have the authority or influence to change an environment that allows (or even promotes) toxic behaviour. In short, if you find yourself in a toxic workplace, voice your concerns and get out quick if nothing changes. Resilience and a thick skin will only get you so far, and eventually the toxicity will start to seep into every aspect of your life and can be more damaging than you expect. I once worked in an environment like this as at Director level, and it took me 18 months after leaving the business to realise how damaging the experience had been and to start to really recover from the experience. Don't make the same mistake I did!