Outsmarting office vipers and toxic bosses
Do you wake up on Monday mornings feeling lethargic because you have to go to work? You might be trapped in a toxic environment if your workplace is riddled with gossipy, backstabbing, bootlicking co-workers, a tyrannical boss, or a soul-crushing culture.
Fueled by negativity and unprofessional behavior, toxic workplaces are a growing problem that can erode one's well-being, productivity, sense of self, and professional spirit. These environments can leave one feeling burnt out and undervalued. I should know because I have seen them all in almost half a century of working. I may also have become a toxic person myself, especially when it was my chance to manage a group.
You have to learn to recognize what toxic workplaces actually look like. Otherwise, you would wrongly assume that you are the problem rather than your organization.
The workplace should be a place of collaboration, productivity, and (ideally) some friendly competition. Unfortunately, colleagues can turn your professional haven into a thorny battlefield. These toxic colleagues can create an unhealthy work environment that can wreak havoc on team morale, your well-being, and even your career prospects. A poisonous workplace does not always announce itself with a bang. The negativity can be subtle, building over time until it permeates every aspect of the work experience.
In a toxic workplace, there are no boundaries around work. Workaholic bosses expect subordinates to respond to messages, calls, and emails even in the wee hours of the morning. There is no room to make mistakes and learn from them, so people try their best not to be in the line of blame and are not willing to share information. Other symptoms may include people getting disengaged, high turnover, people treating each other with contempt, unhealthy interpersonal relationships, people experiencing physical symptoms of work stress, absence of open and honest communication, lack of trust, micromanagement, unrealistic workloads and deadlines, advancement is based on favoritism, discrimination, and sexual harassment.
What about those office vipers? I have seen them all – different sizes, colors, and forms. Just like how different types of thorns can puncture your skin in unexpected ways, different toxic personalities can create a hostile work environment in various ways.
Take the case of the sycophant; they will not hesitate to spend time with the top bosses to gain an advantage over their colleagues. They do not hesitate to backstab their colleagues, take credit for other people’s ideas, or spread rumors about their co-workers to achieve their goals. The bully, on the other hand, thrives on intimidation and humiliation. They love to create a culture of fear through aggressive tactics.
Narcissists are all about themselves, constantly seeking validation and exploiting people for personal gain. They have an excessive need for admiration and a lack of concern for the feelings of others. The gossipmonger thrives on drama and negativity by spreading rumors and confidential information about others, pitting colleagues against each other, and creating conflict.
Beware of the two-faced colleague who smiles to your face but criticizes you behind your back. They usually give backhanded compliments, are very negative towards colleagues when they are not around, and carry a “holier-than-thou” attitude.
A slacker is a person who avoids work, leaving their responsibilities to fall on others' shoulders. Their lack of work ethic can create resentment and a heavier workload for dedicated colleagues. The
Negative Nancy (or Ned) is an individual who is a constant source of negativity. They complain incessantly, from work tasks to colleagues to company policies. Their negativity can be contagious and drain the morale of those around them.
While a toxic workplace can be draining, it does not have to break you. You should set boundaries. Don't let work bleed into your personal life. Disconnect after work hours and avoid taking on extra responsibilities outside your defined role. Learn to say no to unreasonable requests. Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses. This can be crucial if you must report a hostile work environment or file a formal complaint.
You may not be able to change the entire workplace culture, but you can control your behavior. Stay focused on your goals, prioritize your mental well-being, and find your support system. Don't suffer in silence. Confide in trusted friends, family, or a therapist about what you're going through. Having a support system can boost your resilience and offer valuable perspective. Lastly, maintain integrity and values. Toxicity should not change who you are.
In the labyrinth of office politics, toxic workplaces, and colleagues can cast a shadow over our professional lives. However, we can navigate these treacherous waters armed with awareness and resilience. Remember, you deserve a work environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and well-being. As you continue your journey, keep your eyes open, set boundaries, and seek allies to transform toxic workplaces into spaces of positivity and productivity.
You deserve a work environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and well-being. As you continue your journey, keep your eyes open, set boundaries, and seek allies to transform toxic workplaces into spaces of positivity and productivity.
(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convenor of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation.)