So let’s assume you are working in a toxic place and it takes a toll on your mental health, your mood, your relationships and so forth. What can you do? How to deal with it? Are there ways to make it better besides finding a new job? Let’s explore!

Here is what you can do to deal with being in a toxic workplace:

• Find a new job. I want to mention this so we immediately cross it off our list because it is the easiest way out. Obviously it involves the stress of finding a new job including going through interviews and so forth but it is the situation where you just need to pick your poison
• The issue with toxic culture is that impacts everyone but you always will know in your heart who the good folks are (the ones working hard and stressing out). Do something good for them to feel appreciated and seen. A small gesture goes a big way, especially when it is not expected. For example, for someone I know has a two hour commute and who had been stressed for a while, I bought a thermos cup and had a coffee shop put hot coffee in it, and got a croissant on a side. It felt so good to do something good! And of course it was appreciated.
• Take the time to strategize your next move. Instead of jumping into the first available job, take the time to think about what you like doing and where you would like to be. Develop a plan with what courses to take, what groups or organizations to join and how to network. It will also give you your power back.
• Try building connections with others – having deep conversations with others is not only distracting but also help to survive hard times and teaches you a different perspective.
• Think about other ways you can grow both professionally and as a person. What are some good things you can do to earn some karma points?
• Keeping records and documenting is everything – be organized, keep track of your to-do lists, the tasks you have to do but also all the work and successes you already have achieved. It is very helpful for both self esteem and future interviews or HR inquiries (the good and the bad)
• Live by motto: “hope for the best but prepare for the worst”. Always keep an open mind and stay positive but also be prepared to go to war any time.
• Ask fundamental questions – how can we improve something that will create impact? It can be big or small or both, but having a constructive mindset will help you see opportunities instead of spending time and energy in small battles that really are not worth anyone’s time.
• Think about how you can add small joys to your life. Maybe it is a book you can read or a movie you can watch while commuting, having an inspiring playlist or a meal to look forward to. Whatever it is, add it to your life! I heard that it is necessary to experience joy 14 times a day to feel positive and happy. The moment I hear this number I really feel how far behind I am. There is work to be done!
• Ask yourself: “am I adding toxicity or helping to reduce it?”. For example, complaining, blaming, talking behind people’s backs, slacking, not carrying about the quality of work are toxic behaviors. What can you do to make your workplace better? It can be as small as investing in quality pens or bringing donuts to work. Start small but keep going.
• Share your experiences with others. Not to complain but to warn others. For example, in the place where I work, the senior people are more exposed to all the fun and bad management than some of the junior folks. What junior people see is not bad management but management not finding time for them or not being fully engaged. If they are not aware about bigger problems that are on management’s mind, they may translate this behavior as they are doing something wrong, which is not the case. I used to be very mindful when I was in a junior role, and if a manager would not greet me I would think I am getting fired. Knowing what goes on organizationally helps to connect the dots.
• Be the light for others. If all of us are negative and resentful, what good does it do for any of us? Instead, challenge things and be unbeatable. Nothing is permanent!