For many, work is hard enough as it is without having to go through toxic co-workers and work environments. But with the culture of a toxic work environment becoming more common nowadays, how are we supposed to get by?
In a recent study of more than 2,000 workers from different fields, it was found that 75% of them worked in a toxic environment and that 87% of them said it had a direct effect on their mental health, according to EdStellar.
A hostile workplace can be detrimental for your mental health, job performance, and general health. When an employee’s job is made harder or impossible because of discrimination, abuse, or threats, the workplace is hostile.
The Los Angeles hostile work environment lawyer says that as an employee, you should never have to put up with any kind of harassment. Recognize the signs first: a hostile work environment is more than just a bad day at work. They involve doing things over and over that break the law or company rules.
Learn the few significant things you can do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Recognizing the Signs of a Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment creates anxiety and uncertainty. You may hear that coworkers are giving you constant criticism, harassing you with snide remarks, or even showing outright hostility.
Unequal treatment is also a red flag—preferential treatment to some and neglect to others is never morally acceptable. Watch groups form, as exclusion is a sure way to build a toxic atmosphere.
Moreover, when you get gossiped about, bullied, or threatened, take notice. Trust your feelings. If they make you nervous and anxious to go to work, then it is a major sign that you are in a hostile territory.
Early recognition of the signs keeps you ahead. Learn how to address the situation in keeping with the well-being of your mind. Always prioritize your comfort and safety in the workplace.
Documenting Incidents and Gathering Evidence
You may find documenting hostile incidents a chore and daunting, but they are actually pretty important. Record incidents from the beginning, including the time, date, place, and individuals involved.
Be particular about what happened and how it affected you. Anything you can gather to support your claims will help, whether they have bothered you emotionally and mentally. Consider collecting emails, text messages, recorded conversations, and other comparable materials.
Co-workers who witnessed the events should be asked to back you up in support of your allegations. Such documentation will strengthen your case and assist you in providing a fuller description of the experience when an official action is undertaken.
Understanding Your Rights and Company Policies
Read the policies on harassment contained in your employee handbook. It should also include procedures for reporting such cases and the employer’s actions once a complaint has been filed.
You deserve to work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is federal legislation that helps fight hostile working conditions.
If you feel that your rights are being violated, you should know which laws can protect you.
Stay conscious and awake to your rights.
Approaching Management or HR for Support
Approaching employers or HR is the start of the process of redressing hostile workplace issues.
Proceed with documenting the exact incidents, telling the dates, times, and also witnesses, if there are any. Such facts prove to be your strong weapon in conveying the severity of the situation faced.
Stay cool and professional during the interview; state clearly what problems you face that interfere with your work, agree on resolving them, and ask what the next step is. And if necessary, follow up on the case if you see no changes, but do keep your communication professional.
Exploring External Resources and Support Networks
You may find your working conditions unfavorable, but you can find solace in other areas of networking in your life.
Your friends and family will listen and support you. You can also find local or online groups where your experience can be heard and where you can also receive support and validation.
Your trade associations may also offer support and networking facilities. Consulting a therapist or counselor is also a way of seeking help and deciding how to deal with your situation.
It is your duty to yourself that your well-being is cared for, so never let other people trample on your right as an individual to prosper in a work environment that you are a part of.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.