In every clime, workplace toxicity is rife and sometimes hard to prove. Generally, it is characterised by negative energy, bad behaviours and attitudes that can impact an employee’s ability to function effectively and be the best version of themselves. Coworkers may seem consistently disengaged, frustrated, or disinterested because they feel unsupported or undervalued. Competitive spirit, self-adulation, passive aggressiveness, bullying and gossip are some of the signs that you are in a toxic workplace. You may think this only happens in a physical environment but nowadays, remote workers complain that some bosses do not respond to calls and emails and even when they do, the tone is caustic. While you are still looking for a safer workplace, here are some of the ways to deal with a toxic workplace. We call it the ‘4Ms.’
Mind Your Business
Focus on your responsibilities and be up-to-date with best practices as a professional. Don’t allow yourself to be dragged into any gossip. Keep your documents away from prying eyes. Lock your screen. Watch your back but don’t be scared of anyone.
Master Good Responses
People try to fish for comments when you are at work. Don’t ignore them. Instead, answer them as discreetly as possible. For instance, if someone asks you where you hope to find yourself in five or ten years, respond by saying you live one day at a time. Telling people about your plans can get them sabotaged.
Manage Your Online Visibility
Some toxic colleagues are better kept at arms’ length. Don’t make them your friends on social media. Block them from monitoring your posts and screen grabbing your images and videos. The clever ones among them may use a fake identity on social media to reconnect with you. Be wary of that.
Make Less Mistakes
Mistakes are what toxic people often capitalise on to tease or humiliate you. Avoid making mistakes that can cost you your job.
