Coping with a Poisonous Work Environment
When you are being discriminated against, harassed or are the victim of retaliation, it is a very emotional and stressful time. I actually suffered hair loss, insomnia, high blood pressure, headaches, neck pain, and other problems, when I was targeted at work over a sustained period of time.
Even friends and family become victims. They have to watch you suffer and they also have to listen to the endless stories you tell about what is happening at work. It’s stressful for everyone in your inner circle.
Regardless of what is going on at work, you have to remember to keep yourself as healthy and sane as possible. Think about it…workplace abuse often involves psychological warfare. Usually, there are many people against one targeted employee. You have to understand that it is normal to feel mentally and physically ravaged by events at work.
There are some things you can do to help your situation:
TIP #1: You have to be proactive in coming up with strategies for how to cope with your problems at work, including deciding when it may be time to end your employment. Remember, you can always continue your fight to clear your name, when you have severed employment with a company.
TIP #2: If you should decide to leave employment, carefully examine the job market, your finances, and your options. If you are forced to resign your position, always try to leave a job on your own terms.
TIP #3: If you stay at your job, do everything in your power to create a positive and peaceful environment. Bring your favorite CDs to work. Bring in artwork or photos that provide a visual getaway. Take a 5-10 minute walk outside of the building, whenever you need it. But, try to be discreet, when you leave. If you have to, pretend you’re going on a smoking break, which many companies allow. If you’re a non-smoker, say that you’ve suddenly taken it up! If you have to stand there with a loosey in your hand, so be it! Stand outside for a few minutes to purge the negative energy you’ve built up from the office.
Tip #4: Make a quick phone call to a friend or meet a friend for lunch and talk about something other than your problems at work.
Tip #5: Take your lunch break off the premises, if possible. Don’t go to the company cafeteria. Get off of the company grounds!
TIP #6: Focus on doing your job correctly. Don’t give your employer ammunition to use against you that will “justify” your continued mistreatment.
Tip #7: Document everything! Knowing that you are making the best case possible and protecting your interests will give you some peace of mind.
Tip #8: Don’t forget that exercise helps to relieve stress and tension.
Even friends and family become victims. They have to watch you suffer and they also have to listen to the endless stories you tell about what is happening at work. It’s stressful for everyone in your inner circle.
Regardless of what is going on at work, you have to remember to keep yourself as healthy and sane as possible. Think about it…workplace abuse often involves psychological warfare. Usually, there are many people against one targeted employee. You have to understand that it is normal to feel mentally and physically ravaged by events at work.
There are some things you can do to help your situation:
TIP #1: You have to be proactive in coming up with strategies for how to cope with your problems at work, including deciding when it may be time to end your employment. Remember, you can always continue your fight to clear your name, when you have severed employment with a company.
TIP #2: If you should decide to leave employment, carefully examine the job market, your finances, and your options. If you are forced to resign your position, always try to leave a job on your own terms.
TIP #3: If you stay at your job, do everything in your power to create a positive and peaceful environment. Bring your favorite CDs to work. Bring in artwork or photos that provide a visual getaway. Take a 5-10 minute walk outside of the building, whenever you need it. But, try to be discreet, when you leave. If you have to, pretend you’re going on a smoking break, which many companies allow. If you’re a non-smoker, say that you’ve suddenly taken it up! If you have to stand there with a loosey in your hand, so be it! Stand outside for a few minutes to purge the negative energy you’ve built up from the office.
Tip #4: Make a quick phone call to a friend or meet a friend for lunch and talk about something other than your problems at work.
Tip #5: Take your lunch break off the premises, if possible. Don’t go to the company cafeteria. Get off of the company grounds!
TIP #6: Focus on doing your job correctly. Don’t give your employer ammunition to use against you that will “justify” your continued mistreatment.
Tip #7: Document everything! Knowing that you are making the best case possible and protecting your interests will give you some peace of mind.
Tip #8: Don’t forget that exercise helps to relieve stress and tension.
Labels: discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation, tips and strategies
posted by S. Mary Wills at 5:35 AM
2 Comments:
Thanks again! This type of situation can adversely affect your health, as it did mines. I stayed in the position too long, not knowing how to fight and not taking care of myself. It has take awhile to get back my physical health and to work through the toxicity it leaves with you. Please remember to be REALLY GOOD to yourself and seek whatever help is necessary for your physical and emotional well being! As always excellent and timely advice.
Would you know why we seem to be reluctant to form any kind of support groups outside of our jobs?
I was forced to quit my job after being targeted by two managers. My workload was increased beyond anything I'd ever been assigned before and consequently, I couldn't manage the workload. Everything I did was wrong, and long, withering e-mails were regularly sent to me on a daily basis by my manager. I was set-up to fail. I developed debilitating low-back pain, chronic insomnia and felt such dread upon entering the workplace that the toll on my health was greater than I could bear. I'm now at a place where my back pain is receding, but I still can't sleep at night. Reading how others also experienced this treatment helps, which is why I'm posting this comment.
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