5 Things to do if You Think Your Workplace is Toxic

Did you know that 30 million Americans think their workplace is toxic? A toxic workplace can have a devastating effect on your mental and physical health, as well as your career. While everyone has their own idea of what a toxic workplace is, it is typically characterized by negative behaviors, such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, and excessive workload, which can leave employees feeling stressed, anxious, and demotivated.

If you think your workplace is toxic, it is essential to take action to protect yourself and your career.

#1. Recognize the signs of a toxic workplace

The first step in addressing a toxic workplace is to recognize the signs. Some common signs of a toxic workplace include high turnover rates, poor communication, micromanagement, lack of respect for employees, and unrealistic expectations. It may be time to take action if you notice any of these signs.

#2. Document incidents

If you have experienced bullying, harassment, or discrimination, it is crucial to document incidents as soon as possible. Write down the date, time, location, and details of the incident, as well as the names of any witnesses. This documentation can be useful if you file a complaint with HR or take legal action.

#3. Talk to Human Resources

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can talk to your HR department about the issues you are experiencing. HR may be able to provide support or take action to address the problem. Be prepared to provide specific examples of the behaviors you have experienced.

#4. Talk to your manager

You can try talking to your manager about the issue as well. Your manager may be able to provide support or take action to address the problem. If you have a strong relationship with your manager, you can connect with them and hopefully gain some insight and assistance with the situation.

#5. Seek support

Toxic workplaces don’t just impact your career – they can have detrimental effects on your health and well-being, so advocate for yourself and address the situation rather than allowing it to get worse.

It can be helpful to seek support from a trusted friend or family member, or a professional counselor. Talking to someone can help you develop coping strategies. Additionally, if you decide to take legal action, having a support system in place can be helpful.

If you attempt to resolve the situation and things don’t improve, you may need to get in touch with an employment lawyer.

Contact an Employment Lawyer

Start a conversation with an employment lawyer to learn about your options. While a toxic workplace alone may not be grounds to sue an employer, there could be underlying factors at play that would strengthen your case.

Our team at McGonigle Law has a track record of success in employment law and wrongful termination cases. We recently secured a $3 million arbitration award in a misrepresentation and wrongful termination case.

We are available for a confidential discussion about your situation – contact us today.

The information contained herein is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.