Is It Really a 'Toxic' Workplace, or Are You Just Giving Up Too Soon?

In today's work environment, the term "toxic workplace" is thrown around frequently. Many employees experience difficult situations at work—ranging from office politics to challenging team dynamics—and are quick to brand their environment as harmful to their mental health. But is this always fair? Or could it sometimes be a sign that we need to develop more resilience in the face of adversity?

In Indonesia, workplace dynamics are influenced by cultural norms, economic conditions, and labor market structures. In Indonesia, the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rate for individuals aged 15-24 is a significant concern. According to the latest data from BPS-Statistics Indonesia, as of 2023, about 22% of young Indonesians fall into this category.

This figure represents a slight increase compared to previous years, reflecting broader economic challenges, including the lingering impacts of the pandemic and a slower-than-expected job market recovery

Badan Pusat Statistik Indonesia

• Economic Growth: Indonesia's economy is projected to grow by an average of 5.1% per year from 2024 to 2026, indicating resilience despite global uncertainties (worldbank.org).
• Labor Market Dynamics: The average monthly salary in Indonesia reached IDR 3.18 million in August 2023, equating to approximately USD 227.14 (investinasia.id).

While these indicators show some positive momentum, the job market remains competitive, especially for positions that require specialized skills.

Data Shows We're Quick to Quit

A study by Gallup shows that 53% of employees in the U.S. are disengaged, with 70% of them attributing this disengagement to their immediate manager or team dynamics. This disengagement has led to rising turnover rates, with more people leaving jobs without having a backup plan or sufficient savings. In 2023, the average employee stayed with a company for only 2.3 years.

But here’s the thing: not every workplace that's challenging is toxic. Workplace challenges are universal, and they can be found in schools, communities, and even nonprofit organizations. These challenges often come with working with different personalities, navigating office politics, and dealing with high expectations—all part of the fabric of being in a shared environment.

What is a "Toxic Workplace"? And When Is It Just a Challenge?

A truly toxic workplace is defined by consistent and pervasive patterns of abuse, discrimination, unethical behavior, or intentional harm. It's where issues such as bullying, harassment, or complete lack of psychological safety are the norm. But many times, what we encounter are simply difficult situations, which can be stressful but are also opportunities for growth. It's essential to differentiate between genuinely toxic environments and those that are merely challenging:

• Toxic Workplace: Characterized by consistent patterns of abuse, discrimination, or unethical behavior.
• Challenging Environment: Involves typical workplace issues like interpersonal conflicts or performance pressures, which can be opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Why Resilience Matters More Than Ever

According to a 2021 McKinsey & Company report, 62% of employees who left their jobs during the Great Resignation did so because of "toxic" environments, but 37% admitted that they later regretted quitting too soon. This highlights a critical gap: instead of building resilience, some employees may not be giving themselves the time or opportunity to adapt and grow.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, not just avoid them. In a world where we will all inevitably face workplace politics, difficult bosses, and stressful environments, learning to navigate these challenges without labeling everything as toxic is vital for long-term career success.

Resilience Doesn’t Mean Accepting Abuse

It’s essential to note that resilience doesn't mean putting up with a truly toxic environment. If you're facing persistent bullying, discrimination, or harassment, those are serious issues that should not be tolerated. But if you're facing interpersonal conflicts, performance pressure, or disagreements with a manager, these might be opportunities to build mental strength rather than give up.

So, how can we develop the mental toughness to persevere through these challenges and avoid prematurely labeling workplaces as toxic?

1. Reframe Challenges as Growth Opportunities Instead of seeing every obstacle as a roadblock, view it as a chance to develop new skills—whether that’s conflict resolution, patience, or strategic thinking. According to Harvard Business Review, growth mindset individuals—those who view challenges as learning opportunities—are 47% more likely to thrive in difficult environments.
2. Focus on What You Can Control There are always things out of your control, such as office politics or management decisions, but focusing on how you react to these situations can change your perspective. Cognitive reframing, a strategy used in therapy, is helpful for staying grounded and resilient. Practice controlling your reactions and responses rather than being controlled by external events.
3. Set Boundaries and Communicate Setting clear boundaries helps maintain your mental health while staying resilient in the face of workplace challenges. If you feel overwhelmed, communicate openly with your manager or team about your capacity. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that employees who set and communicate boundaries report 34% lower burnout rates.
4. Lean on Mentorship and Support Many people navigate office challenges alone, but having a mentor or trusted colleague can provide the support and perspective needed to get through difficult times. Studies show that employees who regularly consult with mentors are more likely to stay in their jobs during tough times, even improving their performance by 20%.
5. Self-Care and Mental Health Building resilience starts with taking care of yourself. Regular exercise, mindfulness, and a balanced work-life routine can help you stay mentally strong. A 2018 study by Stanford found that employees who practiced mindfulness reported 33% better emotional regulation, making them more resilient to stress.

Be Realistic: Don't Rush into Quitting.

While building resilience is crucial, it’s equally important to approach career decisions thoughtfully. It’s understandable to feel frustrated when facing challenges at work, but quitting without a well-thought-out plan can lead to unintended consequences. Here’s why it’s important to carefully weigh your options before making any decisions:

• Finding a new job takes time—in Indonesia, it can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months to secure a new role, especially if you don’t have in-demand or specialized skills. Industries can be saturated with candidates who have similar qualifications, making competition tough. Rather than making an impulsive decision to leave, consider whether your current challenges can be overcome with some adjustments, like improving your skills, seeking mentorship, or addressing issues directly with your manager.
• Financial: Before considering any major career moves, make sure you have sufficient financial stability. Ideally, you should have at least 6 to 12 months of living expenses saved to give yourself time and flexibility in case it takes longer than expected to find a new opportunity. Without this financial cushion, the stress of searching for a new job could add pressure, potentially forcing you into accepting roles that might not be a good fit, simply because you need an income.
• Enhance your Skill Set: Instead of leaving a difficult situation right away, focus on upgrading your skills while still employed. Specializing in areas like digital marketing, data analysis, or project management—fields that are seeing growth in Indonesia—can make you more competitive in the job market. By enhancing your skills, you increase your chances of securing a better opportunity when the time is right, and it gives you a sense of control over your career path.
• Explore Other Options: Rather than rushing to quit, consider alternative solutions like discussing your concerns with HR, requesting a change in role, or adjusting your work-life balance. Many workplace challenges can be addressed through communication or by seeking internal opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, exploring job opportunities discreetly while still employed allows you to transition smoothly when the right opportunity arises, giving you better leverage in negotiations.

Here's an interesting flow chart to hopefully help you, (or confuse you)

Have you experienced challenging workplaces? What strategies did you use to stay resilient?

Feel free to share your top tips of staying afloat!