Employment rates in the world are consistently lowering. Economies are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are many threats to the security of job roles, from AI and automation. As it is, consistent employment is becoming scarce, but many people still need their jobs to survive, no matter the working conditions. Enduring a toxic job seems like a price every career person has to pay to make do.
Toxic work environments present themselves in different ways. They can be caused by unfriendly co-workers, and supervisors, constantly feeling undermined, being overworked and underpaid, unsafe conditions, and having no benefits. A toxic job can lead to fatigue, stress, poor mental health, illness, injury, and lack of motivation.
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Unfortunately, if you can’t leave the toxic job, you may have to stay until you secure another source of income. This doesn’t mean that you have to deal with the negativity and disrespect. Where possible, there are some ways you can make the most out of a toxic job.
Tips for dealing with a toxic job
1. Remember it doesn’t reflect on you
Just as in dealing with toxic partners or parents, a toxic job isn’t a reflection on you. Remember that a negative work culture likely existed before you arrived there. Safeguard your mental health by not internalising the mistreatment. You and your coworkers don’t deserve it. Having a positive attitude can’t change a pervasive toxic environment. If you’re actively seeking employment elsewhere, you can keep your head down until it’s time to leave.
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2. Take breaks outside
Some jobs provide tea, lunch, and smoke breaks. Whenever you can, take your breaks outside the office complex. Switch off your phone so that you remain completely offline during your break. Take walks to help reset your mental equilibrium. If you work from home, finish your workload as soon as you can, and pivot to things that boost your mental health like exercise or hobbies. Remain militant about being unavailable outside of work hours.
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3. Set boundaries
Toxic coworkers thrive on creating discontent and unfriendly work environments. Establish hard and fast boundaries that you don’t allow them to cross. Don’t befriend them, and don’t engage with them outside of work. During job interviews, some employers can ask about working overtime. Make it clear that you will only do it with notice, or with guaranteed overtime. Some employers take advantage of an employee’s willingness to be helpful. Don’t get bullied into working outside of the set hours or guilted into doing other people’s work.
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4. Find a support group
This can be coworkers you can trust or friends you make within the business park, office neighbours, or your close friends and family. Having people you can vent about your issues to can be a great way to express your frustrations. Don’t express everything in the office group chat. You never know who could be recording what you’re saying. Some companies also have policies against exposing anything on social media, including your feelings. Try to have a private support group until you get another job.
5. Leave work at work
If your job is fulfilling and exciting, it’s not entirely harmful to go through some work when you get home. It’s also a way to bond with your partner. However, with a toxic job, it’s important to leave work at work. Creating a firm boundary to keep the toxicity out of your home can help your mental health.
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6. Ensure your own safety
Toxic jobs don’t care about the well-being of their employees. In some instances, this can manifest as the company failing to provide safety equipment or overworking people, which can lead to mistakes that can cost workers their lives or health. It’s important to get your own safety equipment. If you’re being overworked, and it jeopardises other people’s health and safety, try to come together with your coworkers to figure out safer work schedules. Where possible, report your employers to relevant authorities anonymously. You can also start unionisation efforts to guarantee employee safety.
7. Keep planning your exit
Getting another job can be difficult. Keep networking to ensure that whenever a new position in a healthier work environment appears, you can leave as soon as possible. Ensure that you are paid all you are owed before leaving the toxic job. If your toxic employer is being difficult, seek legal recourse. Record every instance of toxicity and hostility present in the event the matter goes to the authorities.
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Check out:
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