Handling Toxicity in the Workplace

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Every workplace has its challenges, but when negativity becomes constant, it can slowly damage confidence, productivity, and mental well-being. Toxicity at work is more common than many people admit, especially among employees who feel pressured to “just endure it” to keep their jobs.

For many immigrants and diaspora workers, the pressure can feel even heavier. Some stay silent because they fear losing opportunities, disappointing family back home, or being labelled “difficult.” Over time, constant stress, disrespect, bullying, gossip, or unfair treatment can lead to burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.

What Does Workplace Toxicity Look Like?

Toxicity is not always loud. Sometimes it appears in subtle ways:

Constant criticism without support

Bullying or intimidation

Gossip and unhealthy competition

Favouritism

Poor communication from management

Unrealistic workloads

Discrimination or exclusion

Lack of appreciation

When these behaviours become normalised, employees stop feeling safe, valued, or motivated.

Let Me Share a Short Story with You

Ada moved abroad, hoping for a better future. She worked long shifts, rarely complained, and always covered extra hours because she wanted to prove herself.

At first, she ignored the jokes from coworkers and the constant pressure from her manager. “You’re strong, you can handle it,” people said.

But slowly, things changed. She stopped sleeping well. She dreaded going to work. Her headaches became frequent, and even on her days off, she felt anxious checking her phone.

One evening, after another stressful shift, Ada broke down in tears in her car park before driving home. That was the moment she realised hard work should never cost her peace of mind.

Ada eventually spoke to someone she trusted, documented incidents at work, and began setting healthier boundaries. Things did not change overnight, but she started protecting herself emotionally and mentally.

How to Handle Toxicity at Work

1. Recognise the Problem

Do not normalise unhealthy behaviour just because “everyone else does.” If your workplace constantly drains you emotionally, pay attention to the signs.

2. Set Boundaries

You do not have to say yes to every extra task or tolerate disrespect to prove your worth.

3. Document Incidents

Keep records of inappropriate comments, bullying, or unfair treatment if issues escalate.

4. Seek Support

Talk to trusted colleagues, friends, mentors, or HR when necessary. Isolation makes toxic environments harder to survive.

5. Protect Your Mental Health

Rest, take breaks, eat properly, and create time outside work for things that bring peace and joy.

6. Know When to Walk Away

Sometimes the healthiest decision is leaving an environment that constantly harms your well-being.

Key Takeaways

A toxic workplace can affect both mental and physical health.

Silence does not always equal strength.

Setting boundaries is healthy, not selfish.

Support systems matter.

No job is worth losing yourself over.

A healthy workplace should help people grow, not break them down. Employees perform best where respect, empathy, and support exist. Creating healthier work environments is everyone’s responsibility, leaders and employees alike.


Comments

Anonymous said…
Sometimes people endure when hope looks bleak. Sadly, endurance becomes their new reality, they don’t realize when they get sucked into the system and what they initially complained about becomes normal. Without realizing, they become the system they complained about… the cycle continues. Where people have the courage to leave, their strong personality plays a critical role. They know themselves, often not afraid to start again.
July 6, 2026 at 1:33 PM
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