It’s Not Me It's You: Breaking up with Toxic Work Environments

January 19, 2024

Every workplace has its culture, and even if you’ve only been there a day, there are telltale signs you can start to pick up on that reveal the toxicity level. It’s important to check in with yourself to determine if the culture aligns with your values and how to navigate through a high or low toxicity rating according to your internal compass.

Pulse Check: Are you thriving in this environment, or is it time to find one that better aligns with your aspirations? Does the culture foster your personal and professional growth? Are colleagues treated with dignity and respect, or is there bullying, gossip, or discrimination?

What you don’t want to do is internalize the toxic workplace Kool-Aid and interpret organizational deficiencies as personal ones. Particularly as organizations are rolling back empty DEI promises, harming Black women in leadership positions, or doubling down on ignorant practices steeped in bias. It’s important to watch for red flags. Here are some dos and don’ts when dealing with toxic work environments:

• Do not internalize workplace microaggressions and place blame on yourself.

• Do trust your instincts if you feel you have experienced unfair treatment. Seek colleagues and mentors you can trust to give you perspective and help you navigate those environments.

• Do not rationalize other people’s biases, or accept the limitations they place on you.

• Do recognize that you are uniquely positioned to do greatness in spaces you deem most fulfilling to you and seek opportunities to grow.

• Do not stay complacent in a toxic environment hoping it will get better.

• Do recognize that you deserve to grow and thrive and can find spaces that support that wholeheartedly.

Whether you leave the toxic environment or build a hazmat suit in order to stay depends on your unique personal circumstances. However, it’s important not to question your self-worth and potential on experiences where you are judged based on a flawed rubric that doesn’t inherently value your greatness. Those times are best used as a reminder to reconnect with your inner authority. Get clear about your values, track your accomplishments, set healthy boundaries in what you choose to engage in, and know where to give your energy.

Written by Ijeoma Ofoha, MHA

Career and Leadership Development Coach

Founder

Glow Ethos, LLC