workplace toxicity: here’s how to handle it.

Let’s start with the most critical rule: know when to walk away. What does this mean? If the core workplace culture isn’t looking up, it’s time to change. There’s no shame in kicking off your job search. You must look beyond your workplace bubble to see where your skill profile stands in the talent market.

First, you must figure what you’re up against. Is it a toxic workplace or a toxic coworker? Moreover, putting up with one bad apple is not the same as trying to fix a rotten barrel. Be aware that you can’t sort out a completely broken culture all by yourself.

That means, you’ll just be spinning your wheels if leadership won’t step in. If you feel unsafe or completely drained out when you head into work, there’s a staringly visible red flag. You come first always. So, get started on your exit plan. The sooner you move on, the better.

differentiate unhappiness from workplace toxicity.

It’s completely normal to run into bad days. Don’t let it get you down. You’re also not going to be friends with everyone. Every employee works as a resource trying to get by at different levels of a power structure.

If you can get on with most of the people on your team, you’ve ended up in a great spot. That’s not something to brush off. And, what if your workplace comes hard on bullying? Does it show zero tolerance for disrespectful behavior? Then, your organization measures up as one of the best.

Unfortunately, most organizations still haven’t caught on to the real problem. They haven’t wised up to how a toxic workplace drags people down. Or worse, they do know. They see that people are fearful, angry and on the edge. They know the tension is high. But, they carry on and do nothing about it. They just let the problems fester.

people play a role in turning a workplace toxic.

Those clueless managers are always thrown off when employees run for the exit.. They get why people bail on them so quickly. Occasionally, they wake up and see the problem. But it’s usually right before they’re shown the door.

They see how disengagement hits the bottom line. Yet, they do nothing about it. To truly understand workplace toxicity, you need to go up the chain. However, you’ll often run into this: toxicity comes from the top.

So what can you do about this? How do you push with your job? How do you keep from being worn down? You need a way to get through the day. If you’ve decided to stick it out for now, we have some tips. They’ll help you deal with the toxic ecosystem without losing your mind.

how to navigate a toxic workplace?

1. don’t take it personally.

A toxic workplace is a tough spot to be in. What’s more? It’s even harder when a toxic person has latched onto you. You can’t just shut down and hide. You have to get your head around the fact that their behavior is their problem, not yours.

The best strategy is to tune out emotionally. Hold back from reacting. Channel that energy into your work. You’re never going to turn them into a different person. But you can change the emotional dynamic inside you.

Remember, toxic people are counting on you to get upset. They thrive on the drama they stir up. Even a small shift in your reaction will confuse them. They’ll have to back off and figure out what to do next. This gives you the upper hand.

Additionally, when you don’t give them what they want, it throws them for a loop. They’re left trying to catch up. This gives you the time and space to recalibrate. Never forget: you can’t control how other people act out. But you’re in control of how you respond when an episode presents itself.

2. speak up, calmly.

Passively letting bad behavior slide won’t fix anything. It actually eggs them on when they see they can get away with it. If ignoring the situation hasn’t panned out, it’s time to speak up. You just need have a gameplan at your disposal.

If you want a firm spot in a tough workplace, handle toxicity calmly. Above all, you need to do this in private. Lashing out or getting worked in front of everyone in the workplace will almost certainly backfire.

Why? Your opponent will just shut down and get defensive. Like it or not, you’re in a working relationship with them. They need to understand where you draw the line. So hold your ground. Speak up.

Your voice might tremble. You might be shaking. But, you’ll solidify this set of skills with consistent practice. The case in point? You must empower yourself.

3. workplace problem? get your manager involved.

The very idea of looping in your boss can make you sick. You’ll probably run through all the ‘what-ifs’. What if they side with the other person? What if this comes back to haunt you? When you sense these contradictions cropping in your mind, push those fears away.

If your boss is a good leader, they’re there to help you. They want to set you up for success. They will hear you out. Good managers will step in to sort these problems out. Ultimately, all they want is a happy and productive team.

But, what if your boss is tied into the toxic workplace? Then, directly approach the HR. Reach out to someone in your department, you can count on. They can often carry out those hard actions you practically can’t.

The bottom line? You need to clue in your leaders. If someone is stirring up trouble, you have to tell them. Managers aren’t mind-readers. They can’t deal with an invisible problem. If you’re putting up with a workplace toxicity issue, speak up.

4. set clear boundaries.

Picture this. Your manager is constantly messing up with your workflow. They change projects at the last minute, undoing all your progress. They expect you to drop your life and work late for something they think is achievable.

To top it off, they throw you under the bus every chance they get. They even cook up new opportunities to do it. You’re responsible to shut shop, concerning this blatant toxicity. Confront disrespectful behavior. Don’t back down.

Be ready to repeat yourself as many times as it takes. You must wait for them to finally get it. Furthermore, focus on what you can control. Ask yourself this question. A plain and simple reply from your brain? Your output and contributions.

Be sure to stay authentic to what you value most. You’re not asking for their approval. You’re simply doing your job. And, you’re setting stage for a protocol on good versus bad behavior, silently hinting at how wish to be treated.

5. be kind to yourself.

Let’s be clear: a toxic workplace messes with your peace. Stress gradually builds and becomes unsustainable. You will burn out. It shreds your confidence and drains you emotionally. Moreover, your relationships run into trouble, professionally, and sometimes, personally.

It’s about time you push back. Find positivity through company and light chats. Furthermore, double down on self-care. Stay congruent with good habits. Eat right, sleep well and regularly exercise. What’s more?

Get away from the drama. Hand out with people who lift you up. Get your head straight. And, start your escape plan. Put out feelers. Look for a new job. Now! The only good thing that comes out of this? It points out what you don’t want.

In fact, this experience clarifies what good teamwork and real relationships look like. So carry yourself with integrity and dignity. Show them who a real professional is.