So you’re not so happy with your job anymore…You become anxious just thinking about work. And your team is demotivated and tired; their performance has plummeted and you’re lacking the energy to fix it. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to survive this!
I need to state that working in a toxic environment for too long will most definitely take its toll on you. It’s imperative that you act on it today!
So, what are your options? Well, you only have 2 choices:
- You stand your ground and push for change
- Plan your exit strategy and get out as fast as you can
Plan your exit strategy
Let’s start with choice #2, the easy way out. Quick note: even if I’m calling this “the easy way out”, it’s not really an easy approach, but it is easier than the first option.
Quitting a well-paying job and giving up a good position is quite a difficult thing to do. But here’s how I see it: are you willing to sacrifice your mental and physical health over a job? Is it really worth it?
Picture this: you keep working in that toxic environment for 5 more years. How much resentfulness will you have harbored? How much will this job have affected your self-esteem and your life outside of work?
Also, do you truly believe that if after these 5 more years you decide to pursue another opportunity, you’ll get back on your feet quickly?
Let me tell you the truth: recovering from a bad job takes time! Changing the environment won’t instantly take your exhaustion away. And when you start a new job you are expected to be in tip-top shape. No one will hire an exhausted candidate.
A behavior I’ve seen many times is that of disgruntled employees quitting their job without having a backup plan. People tend to go this route when they keep lying to themselves for a long time, telling themselves “It’s ok, I can take it, it’s not that bad” and then one day they just collapse.
You most definitely don’t want to find yourself unemployed with no prospects. And since a toxic work environment will eventually push you to quitting, it’s best if you start planning your exit strategy today.
Update your resume and start applying to jobs today! What you don’t want is to start looking for alternatives when you are already at your lowest.
Consider your decision carefully. Sometimes it’s better if you just quit the fight and start over. And believe me when I say it: there are better jobs out there, you just have to start looking for them. Don’t get stuck!
Stand your ground and push for change
Ok, now let’s talk about your other option. You may actually have the power to make a difference and turn a toxic environment into a functional one.
Toxic work environments exist because the employees allow them to exist. So speak up and point out those issues in a calm and professional manner.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Be assertive and face adversity
Upon having your ideas turned down by your boss, be brave and ask them to explain themselves. Your argument should be that a transparent vision is beneficial for both parties, and that you’re interested in developing your knowledge and skills. If they don’t coach you, you’ll never become better at your job.
- Communicate your intentions clearly
When your peers refuse to do their part of the job, explain clearly how their lack of involvement will affect the outcome of the project and let them know how that impacts your work. Remind them that you can only do so much and that you’re not responsible for their part of the job.
- Fight rumors and gossip
Whenever you hear your peers or your team gossiping, put a stop to it. If you decide to ignore this bad behavior, it will be reinforced.
- Learn to say “NO”
If you have doubts whether the assignment you have been given may negatively impact you, the wellbeing of your team and the overall success of the project that you are leading, then stop and ask your questions. Refrain from getting involved with work that does more harm than good, or just gets you or your team running in circles.
- Be an advocate for a fair work environment
Speak up if you ever notice that you or your team are not treated fairly. Don’t allow yourself or your team to become the dumping ground for the work nobody else wants to do! Stick to your goals and don’t alter your path towards them unless by doing so you actually do a greater good to your organization.
And another thing, remember that a good manager always assigns work to their team fairly and rewards performance equitably. They see their team members and their work holistically, and refrain from focusing on one single aspect of their performance. So, be a role model and do as you preach.
- Set boundaries
Aim for a work-life balance. Teach your supervisor, peers and team to respect the work schedule and refrain from doing overtime unless an urgent issue occurs. Take this advice seriously, constantly doing overtime will result in BURNOUT.
Here’s another tip, trust your team and don’t micromanage; and if you feel like your boss is micromanaging you, confront them and explain why you would do better if you were provided more autonomy.