How to tackle toxic workplace

“When a workplace becomes toxic, its poison spreads beyond its walls and into the lives of its workers and their families.”
― Gary Chapman, Rising Above a Toxic Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment

Feeling trapped in a toxic workplace is like being stuck in a bad rom-com movie, except instead of a happy ending, you just end up with a bunch of emotional baggage and a crippling sense of dread every time you walk into the office. Workplace toxicity can take many forms, from passive-aggressive coworkers to micromanaging bosses, and can leave you feeling drained and uninspired. But fear not, dear reader! With a few tips and tricks, you can navigate the treacherous waters of toxic work environments like a pro.

Step 1: Identify the toxicity

The first step to dealing with workplace toxicity is to identify it. Is your boss constantly breathing down your neck? Do your coworkers throw shade at you during meetings? Do you dread going to work every day? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be dealing with workplace toxicity. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world have to deal with toxic work environments on a daily basis.

Step 2: Establish boundaries

Once you’ve identified the toxicity, it’s time to establish some boundaries. This might mean saying no to extra work, setting limits on your availability outside of work hours, or just plain old telling your boss to back off. It’s important to remember that you have the power to say no and that setting boundaries is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are tradeoffs of course, one of my friends refused to work overtime for the 5th time in the month and she was awarded a low hike. This is not a fair world, so you might have to choose between a better hike and your mental health. Personally, I would choose mental health over money, but there were days when it was another way around.

Step 3: Find your people

One of the best ways to deal with workplace toxicity is to find your people. These are the coworkers who get you, who make you laugh, and who support you through tough times. Having a support system at work can make all the difference in the world, and can help you weather even the stormiest of office politics. Let’s not take those coffee sessions to rant about your managers with your colleagues lightly.

Step 4: Laugh it off

Last, but not least, remember to laugh it off. Humour is a powerful tool when it comes to dealing with workplace toxicity and can help you maintain your sanity even in the most stressful of situations. Whether it’s cracking jokes with your coworkers, watching funny videos on your lunch break, or finding humour in the absurdity of it all, laughter is the best medicine.

In conclusion, dealing with workplace toxicity can be a daunting task, but with a few simple strategies, you can take control of the situation and come out on top. So go forth, my dear reader, and conquer the toxic workplace like the badass that you are!