How to deal with a toxic workplace as an employee

Do you walk into work every morning with a knot in your stomach? Do you have a sinking feeling when you open your laptop? Sometimes, this isn’t caused by burnout or stress—it results from a toxic workplace. 

Sadly, many UK employees have experienced a toxic workplace. According to the CIPD’s latest report, 25% of employees have experienced conflict or abuse in the past 12 months, with  48% of those cases involving humiliation or undermining behaviours.

So, if your workplace is toxic, what should you do about it? We answer your questions below.
 

Step 1: Recognise the signs

Toxic workplaces come in many forms. Maybe it’s the boss who belittles every achievement or the colleague who thrives on gossip. Toxicity can be subtle or glaringly obvious. Try to pinpoint exactly what’s making your workday unbearable. Identifying the specific toxic behaviours is your first step towards figuring out what you can do about it.
 

Step 2: Set boundaries 

Setting boundaries is your wall of protection. Decide where you draw the line, whether refusing to participate in office gossip or standing firm on unreasonable deadlines. Boundaries send a powerful message. After all, you can’t control others, but you can control what you allow.
 

Step 3: Keep a record

Working in a toxic environment can make you doubt your own reality. Did that really happen? Am I overreacting? Start keeping a log of everything, from dates and times to who said what and how things were handled. 

It might feel excessive, but having a clear record of events can be crucial, whether you need it for HR, legal reasons, or just to remind yourself that you’re not imagining things.
 

Step 4: Know when to walk away 

Sometimes, the toxicity runs too deep, and you’ve done everything possible to resolve the issue yourself. If your workplace impacts your health, happiness, and peace of mind, it may be best to plan your exit. 

Update your CV, start networking, and look for better opportunities where you’ll be valued. Walking away from a toxic workplace isn’t quitting—it’s prioritising your well-being and showing that you value yourself. In the long run, leaving a toxic work environment can be much better for your career, too. 
 

How long should you stay in a toxic workplace?

This can depend on many factors, like your personal situation and what you’re dealing with. Some people stay because they hope things will change. Sometimes, people don’t even realise how toxic things have become until their well-being has taken a severe hit, making them feel overwhelmed. 

However, staying too long in a toxic environment can start to chip away at your mental health, self-esteem, and even your physical well-being. If you find yourself dreading work every single day, or if it’s impacting your life outside of work with little sign of improvement, it’s probably a sign to look elsewhere.
 

Final thoughts

Everybody deserves a positive working environment and an organisation that values its employees. If you’re currently in a toxic environment and you’re ready to move on, start searching for your next opportunity. 
 

Next steps

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