The impact on mental health can be serious.
Signs of a Toxic Work Environment
There are several signs that a work environment might be toxic.
Some common features include:
What Causes a Toxic Work Environment?
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Employers may have excessively high expectations of their employees and push them to prioritize work above everything else.
This contributes to a poorwork-life balance, which can ultimately undermine both mental health and workplace productivity.
Lack of Trust
In a toxic work environment, employees don’t trust management or each other.
And employers often demonstrate that they don’t trust their workers.
Micro-managing is the norm, and people are often left feeling like they are always being monitored.
This can put workers on edge and make it difficult to feel supported.
This creates stress and reduces team collaboration.
Contempt
One of the hallmarks oftoxic relationshipsis the presence of contempt.
This is characterized by insensitivity, disgust, mocking, name-calling, and outright hostility.
Such behaviors undermine people’s sense of self.
It is also associated with decreased well-being.
Poor Sleep Quality
Sleep is a critical factor in our overall well-being, including our work performance.
Workplace toxicity causes people to ruminate over negative work events.
This preoccupation contributes to increased workplace stress.
Research has associated toxic work environments with increased depression,substance use, and health issues among employees.
Further research has shown that organizations are suffering as well.
These adverse effects include decreased productivity, lower levels of employee commitment, and increased turnover.
In particular, relaxation and psychological detachment.
Psychological Detachment
Psychological detachment represents an avoidance of work-related thoughts, actions, or emotions.
Detachment can be fostered through a variety of specific activities, including exercise.
Relaxation has long been associated with fewer health complaints and less exhaustion and need for recovery.
Relaxation during non-work time can help buffer negative work rumination and insomnia symptoms.
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However, what you do have control over is how you choose to cope.
Your health may depend on it.
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