How To Prevent Yourself From Going Insane At Work?
Some red flags of toxic workplace behaviors
As an employee, it probably faced you are to spend most of your day at work. The workspace can be a place of joy if you are fulfilled and constantly learning. But also it can be a mental health destructor for you.
Work is part of being an adult, it guarantees some financial securities. It is basically the major reason we work. But also to be more confident and feel that we are efficient in society.
With the social contact associated with work, we may misunderstand some definitions. Coworkers are not necessarily your friends. It’s great to have cool coworkers! I have ones!
Unfortunately, we are not all blessed with this! We can’t ignore that some workspaces have a toxic environment. And can affect your relationship with your coworkers.
To have a healthy environment, try to set boundaries from the beginning and don’t tolerate things. Just because you are trying to look sweet. There are a lot of flags that can tell that you are in a toxic environment and here are some:
First flag: ‘very’ competitive coworker
Is it a competition? Maybe. We all want to have that promotion? Sure! But it’s definitely a professional challenge, don’t take it personally.
There is a place for everyone. Your success will never affect other’s success! The secret is to focus on yourself and you will eventually shine. If not, it’s definitely not your coworker’s problem, stop blaming people on your failure or stuck.
Instead, you can examine the underlying reason you are not growing. And fix it.
Don’t get drowned by your feelings. Your job is part of your life.
Second flag: Asking “too many” personal questions
Just like every relationship, I invite you to set limits that make you feel comfortable.
Keep in your mind that you did not go to work to have friends. You do your work and you go to your house.
Or in our case now, we switch the room with this lockdown. If you don’t want to share something, you can simply say that you don’t want to talk about it. People must respect this, otherwise, it’s not your problem.
It’s cool to share your daily life with your committed coworkers but don’t mix things up. Gossip is fun but knows who to trust.
Third flag: I count on you
This kind of coworker will jump on your desk or send you a Skype message telling you to help them solve a task. But it’s going to take you at least an hour. First thing first, this is putting pressure itself on you! If I have free time, I will help you archive your tasks of the day, otherwise, I can’t put you first; I have deadlines too!
Again, I owe you nothing, so don’t get offended!
One last point: ‘No’ is a full sentence. It means I can’t help. I am busy, not today, not in a mood of being kind, or simply not.
You can be cheerful and help your coworkers. I highly encourage you to be kind. But if it’s going to ruin your day or put more pressure on you I prefer that you be clear that you also have priorities.
And this goes both ways. Unless it’s your supervisor, no one is obliged to help you. If you help him solve something, lower your expectations and don’t wait for the return.
By this, everyone is happy, and no one is taking advantage of you!
Fourth Flag: I don’t take a break I am a cool workaholic
Sad news, you are replaceable, in a day.
It’s fantastic to love your job, work to the fullest during the day. But when it becomes toxic, it’s your loss! Especially if your manager gets used to you not taking breaks, he will take this for granted. Working hard and being a workaholic are two different things.
This kind of co-worker makes you feel guilty for taking some time off! Dude, it’s my right and I respect it. And no, this is not glamourous.
You are risking your health, and you may face a mental breakdown.
Kind reminder, take your breaks, your mental health matters.
Fifth flag: I am your boss, I control your day
If you are working from 9 to 5 pm, then at 5 pm you have no more work commitment. You shut down your laptop, and it’s time to rest or to switch to your side hustle work.
We can tolerate some days where the work is extra, or we had a lazy morning or it related us to a strict deadline. But if it’s consistent, then they must start paying you the extra hours! If they don’t, I can assume that they don’t value your time and your personal life.
Rethink about it.
Sixth flag: the flirty coworker
Unless it’s a nice compliment on the way you pulled your hair today, excessive compliments can be harassment. Asking for dinner with a coworker or a manager without a specific reason and a client is suspicious. Unless he is your type and you are ready to mix personal life with a professional one. Again, you are the leader you can choose to stop the person and set limits. Or give him more space and assume the consequences.
Last flag: Angry boss
If you own the company, then we all know that you want it to glow and shine. And as a part of the team, it’s my goal too! You wait for mutual respect, nothing more. So if he is crossing that limit then it’s an ultimate red flag.
Don’t tolerate it, please.
Final thoughts :
Your workplace is technically your second home. You can consider your coworkers as potential friends. But keep in your mind that this relationship will come with its own benefits and disadvantages.
Focus on your work and set boundaries are the keys to survive to cooperative lifestyle. If you can’t handle it, I always invite you to refuse any kind of harassment or unacceptable behavior.
