• Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life
  • Women
  • Beauty Awards
  • Weddings
  • Beauty
    • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Skin
    • Hair
    • Body & Fragrances
    • Aesthetics & Services
    • Best Of Beauty
    • Reviews
  • Fashion
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
    • Trends & Tips
    • Style Files
    • Watches & Jewellery
  • Life
    • Life
    • Food
    • Entertainment
    • Wellness
    • Travel
    • Tech
    • Sex & Love
  • Women
    • Women
    • Women Now
    • Career
    • Money
  • #HERWORLDHERSTORY
  • Weddings
    • Weddings
    • Gowns & Suits
    • Ideas & Advice
    • Real Weddings
    • Love Nest
    • Luxe
  • Beauty Awards
  • SPA AWARDS
  • HAIR AWARDS
  • Woman of the year
  • Age Is Just A Number
  • Video
  • Showcase
    • SingHealth 2020: Defining Tomorrow’s Medicine
    • Dior Capture Totale
Subscribe!
  • Also available at:
Privacy Menu
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising with Us
  • Conditions of Access
  • PDPA
  • Privacy Statement
SPH Media

MCI (P) 049/10/2021. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2022 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life
  • Women
  • Beauty Awards
  • Weddings

Career

Stuck in a toxic work environment? Doing these will help

C / Career

Stuck in a toxic work environment? Doing these will help

If you dread work because the environment is negative and hostile, do something before it’s too late. Here are top tips to stay sane in a toxic workplace

by ZARELDA MARIE GOH   /   June 28, 2021
The Achieving Woman’s Guide To…Staying Sane In A Toxic Workplace

Credit: 123rf

Stress at work is inevitable. Small amounts keep you on your toes and help you perform at your best. Too much of it? It can tip you over the edge, especially if it’s the result of being in a toxic work environment.

Office drama, nasty bosses and miserable employees are common signs of a toxic work environment. So are a high turnover rate and low productivity. Basically, people don’t want to do their jobs because they feel unhappy, undervalued and unmotivated. 

If you find yourself trapped in a toxic work environment, it’s time to take action. Chronic stress can damage your self-esteem, your health and may even make you depressed.

A study by the University of Manchester’s Business School found that employees who worked under a narcissistic and tyrannical boss experienced lower rates of job satisfaction. What’s worse, these employees were also more likely to become clinically depressed.

No boss is worth losing your mind over. Before your toxic work environment takes its toll on you, use these tips to cope better and, perhaps, even turn things around. 

READ NEXT

Why it’s still hard being a woman in the workplace in 2021

I tried to uni-task for a day to see if it boosted my productivity

Microsoft study reveals work expectation gaps between younger and older workers

https://www.herworld.com/gallery/women/career/toxic-work-environment-tips/
Stuck in a toxic work environment? Doing these will help
1. Find your tribe
image

We spend most of our waking hours at work – it’s practically our second home.

This makes the friendships we form with our colleagues really important. Research published in the New York Times bestseller Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements suggests that those who have a best friend in the office are seven times more likely to be engaged with their work. They also have higher levels of productivity and greater job satisfaction.

Steer clear of negative people and associate yourself with positive people whom you can trust. Become genuine friends with them and support one another when the going gets tough.

123rf
2. Be a changemaker
image

Take steps to shape the work culture instead of just sitting back and letting it affect you. If you are in a position of power, be a positive role model for your subordinates.

Do you want to create a workplace that’s more supportive? Then praise your team members when they’ve done good work. People like to feel appreciated for their efforts. Do you hate that some people gossip non-stop? Then shut down unhealthy gossip and do not spread any rumours.

You can create change even if you’re not a manager, by treating your colleagues (even those you dislike) with kindness and respect.

123rf
3. Draw clear boundaries
image

Make a clear separation between work and your personal life. You want to keep the negativity from your work environment within the confines of your workplace.

At the office, be professional and get things done. After work, switch off and spend time with your loved ones and on your personal interests. Don’t check your e-mail on the weekends or while you’re on leave. Don’t work extra hours unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Creating boundaries may ruffle some feathers, especially if you have a boss who doesn’t respect boundaries. In such situations, be sure to speak up for yourself. Remember that we teach other people how to treat us.

123rf
4. Destress after work
image

Don’t let the stress of your nine-to-five get to you.

Find ways to relieve stress once you leave the office so that it doesn’t accumulate. Exercise, for instance, is an effective stress reliever. When you sweat it out, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that fight against stress and trigger positive feelings.

In fact, doing anything that makes you feel happier will help. Going out for a good meal, playing with your pet, or even watching a funny video on Youtube can help you decompress.

123rf
5. Plan an exit strategy
image

Work on leaving your job if you think you’ve done everything within your control to improve the toxic situation and nothing has changed. Spend time updating your resume and begin the search for new employment.

Don’t be afraid to leave your current position. At the end of the day, you’re so much more than just your job. Your mental health and overall happiness come first.

Read Next

"Why I took a step back from my career after 27 years"

How to deal with criticism and thrive at work

Tips to avoid toxic behaviour at work

123rf
  • TAGS:
  • career tips
  • happiness
  • mental health
  • toxic workplace
SHARE THIS ON

T / Trending

Women

Why it's okay to quit your job after a couple of months

Women

"I lost my job and found a new career opportunity"

Women

"I quit to realise my dream of working overseas"

Women

"I resigned because I knew I deserved better"

Women

Thinking of quitting your job? Ask yourself these four money ques...

Women

How introverts can excel in their career

Women

6 tips to outperform your co-workers (without burning bridges)

Women

4 things recruiters are finding out about you online

Women

By Invite Only's Trixie Khong: "We were haemorrhaging money at th...

Women

For successful remote working, here's what employers need to know...

Women

6 conversational tips to avoid awkward small talks

Women

How to turn LinkedIn connections into job opportunities

Highlights
  • Awards We Tried 4 Devices From OSIM’s Beauty Gadgets Range, And ...
  • Awards Level up your shower routine with this influencer-approve...
  • Awards This award-winning supplement can give you thicker, shini...
  • Awards How to up your tooth brushing game
Editor’s Picks
  • Career Why it's okay to quit your job after a couple of months
  • Stuff to do Tired of WFH? Here are places you can work at besides Sta...
  • Career Thinking of quitting your job? Ask yourself these four mo...
Newsletter Subscribe
Sign up for one of our free newsletters to receive the latest news, commentary and fashion features straight from Her World.

By signing up, you indicate that you have read and agreed with our Privacy Statement
Footer Menu
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • PDPA
  • Conditions of Access
  • Privacy Statement
?>
SPH Media

MCI (P) 049/10/2021. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2022 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.