Is there a lot of disrespect, hostility, or boredom at work? Here is how to approach it. Do you hate having to report to work tomorrow? A toxic work environment can have a big negative impact on your mental health, causing high levels of stress, insomnia, and depression. This could be due to an unstable boss, an excessive workload, or hostile coworkers. Understanding the clear indicators of a toxic workplace will help you know when to leave.

Unfortunately, such issues arise daily in difficult work. It may result in issues, conflicts, low morale, excessive stress, poor results, sickness, high staff turnover, and even abusive behaviour on the part of employees. Because personal problems also have an impact on production, conflict develops in a toxic environment.

It is widely believed that toxic bosses with inadequate leadership abilities and a lack of credibility are to blame for toxic environments. A toxic employee hurts everyone in their immediate vicinity, and when they bring negativity to the workplace, other employees are more likely to become ill frequently, produce less, and feel stressed. These people want to conceal their faults and wrongdoings at work to keep their position of power, riches, or unique status.

Signs and symptoms of a toxic work environment

Any workplace where you feel psychologically uncomfortable is harmful. There is frequently a pervasive sense of unfavorableness, unhealthy competition, and hostility. According to the researchers of a current study, the following criteria should be used to define a toxic workplace:

• Narcissistic conduct

• Rude behaviour

• Harsh bullying by leaders

• Bullying,

• Exclusion, and

• Intimidation by superiors and coworkers

Here are several indications that a workplace is toxic or may become one:

• A cruel supervisor who predisposes you to failure

• Managing tough boss

• Micromanagement

• Excessive bickering, group behavior

• Passive-aggressive coworkers or a boss

• Either bullying or prejudice

• Avoiding hazardous working conditions

• Harsh and unforgiving working environments (when coworkers try to discredit you or grab credit for your efforts or there is a culture of envy for others' achievements)

• Absence of respect

• Lack of growth chances

• Excessive workloads

• Poor pay, irregular schedule

• Coworkers can act inappropriately and get away with it

• Negativity in the form of criticism

• A manager who frequently threatens to remove people creates a culture of persistent negativity

• Managing work culture

Toxic work environment and mental health

Most of us spend a considerable amount of our day at work. Your mental health may be adversely impacted if 8 hours of your day are toxic. According to research, a toxic work environment that includes harassment, bullying, and discriminatory practices puts employees under a lot of psychological stress and can contribute to high levels of stress and burnout. Also, this toxicity can encourage unproductive behavior at work and harm an organization's effectiveness. It results in high turnover rates, lower productivity, suppresses creativity and innovation, and fosters employee dissatisfaction.

An employee leaving their job is nearly 10 times more likely to be caused by a toxic workplace culture than by inadequate compensation, according to a recent MIT Sloan Management Review analysis. In actuality, the study reveals that rather than pay, the number one reason people quit their employment during the post-COVID-19 "Great Resignation" was a toxic work environment.

Dealing with a toxic work environment

• Just remember that if your workplace is unpleasant, it's not your responsibility. Remember that there is only so much you can do to influence the culture at your place of employment, even though having a positive outlook and a collaborative mindset may be beneficial in some situations.

• Take a lunch break away from the office: Make sure to take a lunch break away from the office. If you can, sit outside.

• Set boundaries: Refuse to be bullied into missing your lunch break or working unpaid overtime. Inform your manager that you require rest and a break to perform at your best.

• Avoid getting drawn into any drama or rumors by trying to distance yourself. Nothing good will result from it.

• Keep your sights on the goal: Do your hardest to maintain a cheerful outlook.

• Have a routine to improve your vibes after work: Do something after work to psychologically take away the negative. For that, what you can do is call a friend or go for a walk every day in the park nearby.

• Maintain a small group of trustworthy colleagues: Maintaining a small group of colleagues will allow you to support and trust one another.

• Don't compromise your morals: Do your best not to react in kind if someone at work treats you cruelly. It will just make matters worse; it won't help.

• Use regular stress-reduction strategies: Try yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to manage your chronic stress.

• Plan your exit: If the hostile workplace environment isn't going to get better any time soon, begin your job search.

You likely work in a toxic atmosphere of hostility, and dealing with sexual harassment, or harsh micromanagement is common there. Emotional toxicity can make you ill, much like a toxin in the environment. Insomnia, stress, depression, and low self-esteem are just a few of the mental health issues that can develop when you feel unsafe and unappreciated at work. Consider seeking a new employment where your mental health will be prioritized if there are any further drawbacks.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Dr Sakshi Kochhar Psychologist