How to Survive a Toxic Work Environment

It’s guaranteed that one time in our careers, we will have experienced a toxic work environment.

Let’s face it, people ruin everything. A toxic work environment is toxic because of the people, and it usually comes from the higher management and is passed down through the middle managers onto the staff, who have no choice but to take it.

First step is admitting that you cannot change this, not on your own and definitely not if you’re anything less than senior management. Give up and protect yourself. In this environment it’s a dog-eat-dog world.

You will know you’re in a toxic environment as it’ll kill your self-esteem and piss all over your mental health. You’ll lose motivation faster than a celebrity diet of Ozempic. You’ll become moody and miserable. That 1 glass of wine on an evening may turn into 2 bottles, and who would blame you… Defintiely not us.

You may not be able to just quit as the cost of living is absolutely shocking, but here is a list of how to survive a toxic work environment.

1. Remote Working

If you can get away with working from home, do it. Make as many excuses up as you can. You will need to limit the number of times you’re in the office around the people who make this a toxic environment.

At least on a video call you’ll be in your own home surrounded by people who love you and wouldn’t stab you in the back just cuz the last scapegoat left last Tuesday.

2. Smile & Nod

Remember your opinion doesn’t matter and as soon as you disagree or have a different idea to your teammates. You’ll be shot down. Reported for being disruptive. No one will listen to you anyway, so save yourself the bother… and just smile & nod. Like a good lemming.

3. Get Therapy

Even if you work from home 5 days a week, this is going to affect you in some way and as for you poor buggers having to physically work in an office full of toxicity, then schedule that therapy session now! We recommend looking for a CBT therapist on the BABCP website.

Seriously, the impact on your mental health will be noticeable. Believe us, we’ve been there.

4. Actively seek new opportunities

Every minute spare you get in the day, get on Indeed, Reed and LinkedIn. Update your CV and send it out to every job you find interesting. It’s a numbers game, just f*cking send your CV out. You’re desperate remember. SEEK & YE SHALL FIND.

5. Leave/Quit/Get Sacked

Once you realise your working environment is toxic, it’s only a matter of time. If the toxic work environment doesn’t get to you first, the toxic leaders will sniff you out and you will be sacked. Not before they turn everyone against you and make your life a living hell.. just waiting for you to f*ck up in some way so they can hand you your P45.

If you get sacked just hold your head high and remember that you’re suited somewhere else. One door closes and another opens. One mans piece of sh*t is another mans treasure… You get me.

Sometimes your face just might not fit and that’s OK, it’s good to be different. Never give up and move on with dignity OR make a tic tok and tell the world about it! Haha.

Interested in a career in IT? Submit your CV to us today, we don’t do Toxic.