Are you working in a toxic workplace environment?
Do you ever feel like crying or getting sick whenever you have to go to work?

There might be a scientific reason for that. Toxic work environments can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including stress, depression, loss of focus, decreased confidence, stomach pain, headaches, and an impaired immune system. This is because toxic work environments can trigger the “fight or flight” response, which causes the body to release hormones that can lead to stress and anxiety.

Signs of a toxic workplace environment

A toxic work environment is one where employees feel stressed, anxious, and unhappy and can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Poor leadership: A toxic work environment is often caused by poor leadership. This can include a manager who is abusive, micromanaging, or who creates a hostile work environment.
• Lack of communication: When there is a lack of communication in the workplace, it can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and stress.
• Lack of trust:In a toxic workplace, there is a lack of trust between employees and management. This can be evidenced by employees feeling like they cannot speak up without fear of retaliation, or by management constantly monitoring employees’ work.
• Unrealistic expectations: Employees in a toxic workplace are often expected to work long hours, meet unrealistic deadlines, or take on too much work. This can lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety.
• Bullying and harassment: Bullying and harassment are never acceptable in the workplace. They can create a hostile work environment and lead to anxiety, depression, and physical health problems.
• Discrimination: Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, or other protected categories is illegal and can create a toxic work environment.

Ways to deal with it

If you are in a toxic work environment, there are a few things you can do:

• Talk to your manager: If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to your manager about the problems you are experiencing. They may be able to help resolve the situation.
• Document the problems: Keep a record of the problems you are experiencing, including dates, times, and what happened. This will help you if you need to take further action.
• Talk to HR: If you are not comfortable talking to your manager, you can talk to HR. They are responsible for creating a safe and healthy work environment and may be able to help resolve the situation.
• Seek professional help: If the situation is causing you significant stress or anxiety, you may want to seek professional help. A therapist can help you cope with the stress and develop strategies for dealing with the situation. You can also check if your company provides you with Employee Assistance Programs or if they have an in-house therapist for the employees. 
• Set boundaries: It is important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means managing your time efficiently like not checking work emails or taking work calls outside of work hours. 
• Self-care: Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. These things will help you to manage stress and anxiety.

Find a support system. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about what you are going through. Having a support system can help you to feel less alone and more supported. Reach out to us on this link if you need a therapist.

And if nothing works: 

• Remember that you have options. You are not stuck in a toxic workplace. There are things you can do to improve the situation, and if the situation is not improving, you can always find a new job.
• Look for a new job. If the toxic work environment is making you miserable, it may be time to start looking for a new job. There are many great companies out there with positive work cultures.
• Don’t take it personally. It can be difficult not to take things personally when you are in a toxic workplace, but it is important to remember that the behaviour of others is not a reflection of you.

– Urveez Kakalia and Sakshi Merai.