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  Life   Relationship  12 Sep 2019  Is toxic workplace bothering you?

Is toxic workplace bothering you?

THE ASIAN AGE.
Published : Sep 12, 2019, 3:36 pm IST
Updated : Sep 12, 2019, 3:36 pm IST

Any trouble at your office can be dealt with, if you work on it.

If your colleague puts you down frequently, change the way you react to it. (Photo: Representational/Pexels)
 If your colleague puts you down frequently, change the way you react to it. (Photo: Representational/Pexels)

If you’ve been dealing with hideous comments from your boss or colleagues and have done nothing about it, this is for you. Needless to say, work forms an integral part of your life, and if there are too many issues at your workplace, it’s important to deal with them.

The sad reality is, most of the firms today are focused on extracting maximum work from their employees, and have failed to realise that their well-being is as important. The good part is, you have the power to effectively negotiate a better workplace.

List down your goals, and don’t judge them

We all have aspirations that we often bury because we’re struggling at our workplaces. So make a list of everything you want to achieve, and every time you feel down, remember what you’re working for. You can also jot down your values, to remind yourself that in the end, you’ll excel because no one can take these away from you.

Most importantly, don’t censor yourself.  As Jamie Lieberman writes for Working Mother, making short term and long term work goals, without editing is one of the best strategies to adopt. And keep trying different things to see what works in your favour.

Celebrate small victories

Honestly, it’s a very commonly known way to stay happy at work, but most of us don’t acknowledge their achievements, however minute they are. Sometimes, you feel down at work even when you are doing well. It’s essential to know your contributions have come from your efforts.

This technique actually works for life in general. Let’s look at a small instance. Say, you’ve looking for the perfect gym or yoga class. But you haven’t been able to figure it out. So, you switch your commute routine and walk from the station. There, you have done your health some favour. Apart from this, you can be change-bearer and praise others’ work. It makes for a nice feel-good act.

Draw lines

There’s a different equation that you share with everyone. If you feel someone is being too nosy, distance yourself from that person. You might be very close to a colleague, but if you’re not comfortable with their intrusion, let them know.

Leave, but consider everything

We all have wished at some point in our lives for everything to go on like a movie. Like, walking out of your office and loosening your tie and starting your own thing. But reality is a tad different. Consider everything you have to, from how much money you have in your account, to possible changes at your workplace. If you feel you just can’t take it anymore, then yes, look for other jobs. Impulsiveness might not be a very good way to take decisions, so give yourself some time.

By now, you must have known that changing people is difficult. Imagine how hard it is to bring about a change in your own life. But you still have the power to build your own happy world. It’s all about the way you react to others. Psst… get back to work after you’ve read this, and know that you’re doing a good job!

Tags: toxic workplace, work culture