Before you go jumping into conclusions, let’s make it clear that we’re not talking of some sinister laboratory on a remote island of Dr. No where poisonous gas seeps through the room vents so you’d be rendered unconscious and be lobotomized. No! We’re talking of what HR management experts refer to as a hostile working environment defined as one, where there is discrimination and unpleasant, unwelcome conduct. This becomes pervasive and grievous that it alters a worker’s conditions of employment and creates an abusive work surroundings. So, is your workplace toxic?
Questions To Ask, To Give You An Idea Of What A Toxic Workplace Is :
Are you doing the work of two or more people but getting a one-person paycheck?
Do you hate going to work everyday ? (And not because your wife/husband works for the same company?)
Does nobody appreciate you and your work.?
Is there somebody there yelling at you or your co workers (quit kidding around with your wife!)
Have you sought some help but nothing happened?
Have you been asked to do some lying for someone?
Have you been asked to make false entries into official reports?
Have you been a victim of sexual harassment?
Has there been discrimination against you because of gender, age, race, religion or sexual preference?
Does violence happen in your workplace or has anyone been threatened or assaulted?
Having a YES answer to just one of these questions says, you’re working in a toxic environment. This happens because the big guys in positions of authority run the company through abuse of power, giant egos, distrust, inequality, unfairness, greed, ruthless ambition, pressure and lack of respect for one’s fellowman.
What To Do
Working in a place like this, you’ll have to be strong and assertive. You’ve got to use tried and tested communication techniques and refer to laws and guidelines to transform a toxic office. If these and prayers don’t work, heck, find yourself a healthy company that’s founded on truth, respect and open communications. Take our word for it. There are many of them around in the business district. But, before you give-up, know and appreciate that, obviously, no workplace is perfect. There are things you can do though, as an individual to alter the negative work surroundings and make the day run smoother and more productively for you and the rest of the guys.
Do What’s In Your Power To Do
Don’t mope around and sulk for things you are powerless to do. Look around and find out what in fact, you can do and do it! Take it upon yourself to discover what sort of a working environment might best support you in the job you do. Forget the HR department! They’ve got lots of other things to do. So now get working on changing your work surroundings. Can’t do? Look at it this way. If you believe in “Feng Shui” (ancient Chinese art of living in harmony with the elements) and all it’ll take is to reposition your desk and your chair so that your area attracts success and career opportunities, why not?.
Use More Of Your Strengths
Pull back and take some time to figure out things that really matter to you. Do you enjoy working in a team or individually? Are you good at starting projects or finishing them? The perfect job for you should be a good fit for how you enjoy working. Consider how your skills, strengths and career objectives fit with the job’s requirements. If they do, great. If not, if there is little or no skill match and the job is stressing you out … then you’ll have to make a big decision. Good luck!
English (Australia)