Healthy workplace dynamics are more vital than we tend to realize at the time. For one, most people spend the majority of each week in the workplace. The impact of a toxic workplace on an employee doesn’t only show up in their daily mood; it can have a lasting negative impact on their wellbeing and career path.
Various factors can contribute to a toxic work environment, from poor communication to a lack of boundaries and regard for employees’ wellbeing. Yet, there is one characteristic of a toxic environment that can cause significant harm: bullying.
Just as there is no universally accepted definition of a toxic workplace, workplace bullying is the same way. The reason for this is that bullying can take many forms.
Believe it or not, it can be difficult to recognize bullying in the workplace. In some cases, bullying is in the form of sexual harassment. Yet in most cases, it is in the form of verbal abuse, such as gossip or insults. Some employees may feel belittled or even threatened by their superiors.
Yet bullying isn’t always verbal. Bullying can also be psychological or nonverbal abuse, and this might include employees being excluded from meetings or other behaviors that threaten one’s mental wellbeing.
It is also possible to have a colleague or boss who gaslights you by invalidating your words or accomplishments. Some superiors may cause you to question your competence or even yourself. In any form, this psychological manipulation can have a significant toll on your self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
The fact is that whether it’s obvious or not, bullying behaviors should never be tolerated. It’s important to stay aware of their signs so you can figure out which factors are within your control and which ones may be worth leaving for.
More importantly, tune in to your signs and how you feel daily. What is your overall mood or productivity level? Suppose you feel that any aspect of your job or workplace is triggering low moods for you. In that case, therapy can help you identify unhealthy patterns and develop healthy coping mechanisms in their place, like setting boundaries.
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