How workers contribute to the level of toxicity at the work place

We are all heroes in our own stories. Most of us deny the existence of our wrong doings or our contributions to it. Meanwhile, there are certain acts that we workers indulge in at the office that pollutes the work environment with toxicity.

On the last episode, we spoke briefly on the contributions of bosses to the level of toxicity at the workplace. On this episode, we would be shedding light on how workers, intentionally and unintentionally contribute to the toxicity level at the workplace.

I once worked at a place where from day one, a colleague of mine had already started gossiping about other workers in the organization. I was startled, in my mind I was like "but we just got here." The person he was gossiping about eventually caught a wind of everything he had been saying behind his back. And they both started developing ill feelings for each other. And till date, they still don't like each other. Sometimes we talk bad behind each other' back and call it "work gist". We ignore the feelings of the person we're mocking or dragging.

They say the world is a small place. But your office is even a smaller place. The person you're gossiping about will eventually hear about the gossip. Once that happens, they spontaneously start developing bad feelings like intolerance, anger, and worse, hatred towards you. You on the other hand, will start calling them toxic when they exhibit these attitudes towards you. Not knowing you began the toxicity race first.

Another major cause of toxicity that workers exhibit is the cutthroat working condition. This happens when you talk down on your colleague's work. Or attempt to take the credit for your colleague's achievements. This is a very serious issue that could push your colleagues to dislike you and also retaliate by sabotaging you.

Most of us spend a large portion of our day at work. If eight hours of your day are filled with toxicity, it can significantly affect your mental health. This implies that we have to find the means to deal with it, if we find ourselves in a toxic work environment.

Here are some ways to cope in a toxic work environment: Firstly, It is very important that we respect each other at the office. Avoid being disrespectful to your colleagues. Secondly, avoid any drama. Try to walk away from any drama or gossip. Thirdly, Stay with a small group of trustworthy coworkers.?It’s a good idea to keep a few work allies, so you can support and confide in one another. Fourthly, this can be challenging. But If someone at work is being cruel to you, do your best to not respond in kind. It will only make the situation escalate. Lastly, Do something after work to psychologically clear away the negativity. Additionally, plan your exit. If the toxic work situation isn’t going away, begin your japa plans.

On the next episode, we would be highlighting on some other forms of toxicity at our workplaces. Click on the like and subscription button to not miss out on the next episode.