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A hostile work environment can foster a culture of aggression, doubt and negativity that’s harmful to your health and success
If you dread going to work and walk away most days feeling defeated or discouraged, you might be dealing with a toxic work environment. Unhealthy work conditions can have a significant impact on your physical, mental and emotional well-being. If you have a boss with unrealistic expectations or hostile coworkers who are hard to trust, work can become harmful to your overall health.
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If this sounds like your situation, it may be time to seek new employment or ask for help. Clinical health psychologist Amy Sullivan, PsyD, shares some of the signs of a toxic environment and how to manage your health if you’re feeling stuck.
A toxic work environment fosters a disruptive and persistent culture of negativity, doubt and aggression. This results in high levels of stress, strained relationships and poor production or performance. If you’re unable to resolve conflicts in this environment or you’re unable to find better employment opportunities, your health can be negatively impacted in the following ways:
“A toxic work environment is a feeling and not necessarily a checklist,” clarifies Dr. Sullivan. “Pay attention to what your gut is sharing with you, as well as any physical responses you have before, during and after work.”
In 2024, researchers classified 11 examples of toxic work environments:
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“A toxic work environment is an environment where there’s inconsistent, biased and confusing communication, and where your leader is not respectful or responsive to your needs,” states Dr. Sullivan.
“Leaders need to be able to communicate. Employees also need a safe space for communication and to ask for help. And if help isn’t offered, that’s a huge sign something is wrong.”
Other signs of a toxic work environment can include:
A toxic work environment is a dangerous place to be, both for your physical and mental health. But there are some things you can do in the moment that can help you manage some of your symptoms and improve your situation.
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As Taylor Swift would say, “When the dinner is cold and the chatter gets old, you ask for the tab.” If you’ve tried other things and nothing seems to be working or getting any better, it might be time to leave your job.
“Don’t settle for a toxic work environment. It’s not worth your physical or psychological health or your important relationships,” advises Dr. Sullivan. “There are ways you can manage your emotions, but if you’re being disrespected, it’s certainly not OK to continuously stay in that environment.”
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