Ask the Coach: April 7th, 2022
My workplace is almost toxic due to gossip and the attitudes of my co-workers. It's bad enough I've considered leaving my job - but I love the work. How can I help improve the situation at work so I'm less miserable?
As the saying says…” One bad apple spoils the bunch”. Sadly, this is absolutely true in an office environment as well.
Some of my clients have described an experience of a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomachs by the time Sunday night rolls around – mostly due to toxic work environments. The problem is more common than you may think.
The good news is there are ways to mitigate the stress caused by working in a toxic environment.
Try any of the following tips and if nothing works, you may want to consider a move.
Leave your work stress at the door – as often as you may feel the need – venting to your partner, roommate becomes the centerpiece of every conversation and perpetuates bad feelings in you. Be aware of how often this negativity takes hold of your conversations and re-direct to something positive.
Don’t stoop to the toxic colleague’s level – Walk away, do not engage, and certainly do not reward this bad behaviour by becoming a part of it. Once the person who is responsible (gossip etc.) realizes you aren’t going to take part in her bad-mouthing, negative gossip they will look elsewhere for a receptive audience.
Speak with management about how this behaviour is impacting the culture and ultimately productivity. Without pointing fingers, you can clearly articulate that certain situation have and are creating discourse amongst the team. Bringing it to the attention of the leaders should be a call to action on their part.
Look for the positive co-workers – associate with those who do not engage in behaviours that impact you negatively. Even if it seems like most of the folks you deal with have toxic tendencies or have been allowed to get away with this negative behaviour, chances are there are at least a few folks who are feeling the same way you are.
Learn how to confront issues head-on – if tensions have reached a breaking point, it may be time to address the issue head on. In stressful situations, it’s often challenging to say all the things you want to, so practice how to deliver the information. – There is a terrific book that teaches how to manage these tricky situations. Fierce Conversation’s - Susan Scott
Finally, if it gets too much and there is little or no end in sight as management refuses to address the issues, you move need to consider leaving your job or switching departments.
We spend far too much time and energy at work to find ourselves feeling bullied or having to work in an environment that is not healthy. Consider what is important to you.
All the best,
Merrill
We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.
Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.
Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers.
Welcome to the Town Crier Merrill! If you want to send a question to Merrill please submit to submissions@explorefenelonfalls.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).
