Many of us spend considerably more time in the workplace than we do with our friends and family — which is why a toxic workplace can be a considerable challenge.

Toxic workplaces exist in all industries and professions.

They are dysfunctional and come in all shapes and sizes, and there are a number of red flags to watch out for.

It might be simply that your co-workers are miserable and unenthusiastic, which makes you dread going to work each day.

Or it could be that employees are drastically overworked and underpaid.

Perhaps it is that you live your workday in fear of being verbally abused by a tyrant manager who barks orders at employees.

Maybe it is just that there is an enormous amount of gossip or office politics in your workplace, which makes getting your job done a lot harder than you would reasonably expect.

Or are things far more toxic in your workplace to the extent that bullying is rife, you are asked to lie to cover for others or a culture of discrimination prevails in your workplace?

Unfortunately, many organisations do not seem to recognise the impact a toxic workplace has on employees’ health and wellbeing, not to mention productivity.

Each person’s breaking point in a toxic work environment is different.

But if the conditions in your workplace appear to be toxic, are getting you down and not likely to improve in the near term, there is no shame in initiating a job search to see what other employment opportunities are out there.

In the meantime, you will need to show up every day and deal with the toxic conditions — but depending on your exact workplace situation, there are a number of things you might want to try to manage your workplace predicament.

For a start, seek out the more positive of your colleagues and align yourself with them.

Consider also whether you can raise particular issues with a more senior and trusted colleague. Or try to find a trusted mentor within the workplace who can act as a sounding board.

Those who are trapped in a toxic workplace often find it useful to build a support group outside of work as a medium for letting off steam.

If the conditions in your workplace appear to be toxic, are getting you down and not likely to improve in the near term, there is no shame in initiating a job search to see what other employment opportunities are out there.
Others find a meaningful and enjoyable activity outside the workplace to help to bring some balance to their day.

And in cases where discrimination, harassment and bullying prevail, make sure you keep a record of what happened, when it occurred and any steps you took to respond or deal with these issues — you may well need this at a later point.

The bottom line, however, is that if you do feel unsafe in your workplace or the environment is compromising your mental health, your first priority needs to be to take care of yourself even if that means getting out of the workplace sooner rather than later.