How To Create A Paper Trail If You're In A Toxic Work Environment
According to research by the MIT Sloan Management Review, toxic corporate culture is the strongest predictor of attrition during the Great Resignation, “10 times more important than compensation in predicting turnover.”
Working in a toxic work environment can tank both your mental and physical health. Toxic workplaces can be filled with hostility, criticism, and fear, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. It is important to recognize the signs of a toxic work environment and take steps to address the situation before it becomes too overwhelming.
What is a toxic work environment?
A toxic work environment is any workplace where your experiences are full of negative, antagonistic, discriminating, or bullying behavior. This can be caused by the general culture of the company/organization, or by one or more individuals. A toxic work environment can also be characterized by unreasonable or even unlawful expectations, workloads, or compensation.
In another article by the MIT Sloan Management Review, they listed 5 key toxic culture attributes: disrespectful, non inclusive, unethical, cutthroat, and abusive. With those attributes in mind, keep an eye out for these signs that you are in a toxic workplace:
You feel constantly stressed and overwhelmed.
You're not being rewarded for good work.
Your opinions are not being taken seriously.
Your work is not appreciated.
You don't feel comfortable speaking up.
You're not given the resources to do your job effectively.
You're constantly in conflict with your colleagues.
You're not being given the opportunity to develop professionally.
Need Help With Your Job Search?
Enroll in our online course, Find a Job Fast: The Job Search Accelerator For Career Professionals
Steps to create a paper trail showing a toxic work environment:
Keep A Log
Document everything! Write down the date, time, and details of any incidents that you experience. If you have a conversation in person, on the phone, or via zoom that isn’t recorded, send an email to the individual and recount all the things you were told as if you are just verifying that you have it right. Any response they give verifying it will act as evidence in your defense and leave a digital paper trail. Blind copy managers and supervisors as well.
Gather Evidence
If you have any evidence of the incident(s), be sure to keep copies. This can include emails, reports, or any other documents that you think are relevant. Your personal logs are a major part of this as well.
Report It
Don’t keep what is happening to you quiet. The key to this is to report the issues to those above the individuals creating the problem. Even if the issue is a wide spread culture issue within the organization, you should always go through whatever formal reporting channels the company has.This can include your supervisor, the HR department, or any other relevant departments. If the issue is serious enough, be sure to report it to the appropriate authorities.
Finally…
If your concerns are not addressed, it may be time to start looking for a new job. A toxic work environment can lead to burnout and other health issues, so it’s important to take care of yourself and make sure you’re in a healthy and supportive work environment.
Related:
Three Types Of Managers and How Each Contributes To Your Career Growth
6 Ways To Advance and Enhance Your Career When Working Remotely
Holistic Health At Work: Success & Stress – Are They Truly A Power Couple?
Meet The Writer!
Hi! I’m Madeline Jefferson. I am a freelance writer, editor, and designer who has a wide breadth of experience and knowledge on many subjects including: fiction writing, religion, law, politics, history, literature, chronic illness, and mental health. I have a B.A. in Religion and Middle Eastern Studies from Washington and Lee University. As a freelancer I offer services such as: blog writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, manuscript editing, and print and digital design. You can find me on: LinkedIn; Twitter, Instagram; and on my website: https://www.madelinejefferson.com/.
