Navigating Toxic Vibes at Work: Unconventional Advice for Taking Action

Are you dealing with toxic vibes in your work environment and you want to take action? Here's a common advice for what to do, and why we disagree with it:

Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your well-being. Determine what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour for you, and communicate it assertively to your colleagues.

Easier said than done, right?

Because that’s the thing. If you’re dealing with toxic vibes from your colleague with whom you sit with or closely collaborate with; or even worst, if the toxic vibes are coming from your boss, than by now, you probably know, this person is not really some you can ‘pour in some sense’ or ‘explain things and they’ll just accept it.

The probability, that you’re dealing with someone who who has ‘deeply rooted issues at hand’ is high. So, it’s not gonna be easy to solve it.

While assertiveness is ok, we found, in these specific cases, it can lead to even bigger problems at work. And, if HR or someone else gets involved, it might become completely opposite #environment form where you want to spend your days.

And, we hear you. You are probably just a simple person who wants to come to work, do your job, and stay out of drama. Absolutely! This is exactly what you should do! And, instead of playing the ‘assertiveness’ game, you need to train yourself on tools and tactics that will allow ‘self-protection’ and ‘self-salvation’.

#5 Key things you can to start doing now:

1. Accept reality as it is. DO NOT waist time or energy thinking ‘how this could be happening’; ‘why me’, or ’this is unfair’. Sure it is. But, the reality is, you’re not living in the ‘imaginary world where everything just perfect. This world is not perfect.

2. Label this behaviour from inappropriate...to toxic, depending on what type of behaviour it is, how often it occurs, and how long does it last (note if it’s a just a cynical comment that happens every day for a longer period of time, and is making you feel like you’re on the edge, than it’s toxic)

3. When you put a firm label, than all the doubts that are coming to you (which is usually a manipulative way these people are trying to work on you) are put to the end. You know - this is bad, and has nothing to do with you! Repeat after me: This has nothing to do with me, and I don’t need to put up with this.

4. Evaluate situation (possibly with someone who you can trust or with the professional) if you can really ‘talk with this person’ (which I seriously doubt), and if you decide NO, then make proactive measures to PROTECT yourself like: limit the time spent with this person; do not engage in any conversation beyond ‘necessary’; stop replaying the words in your head this person might said, think of it as passing the ‘stinky place’ you want to get away from, appreciate the space in your head, and be very careful whom you’ re renting it.

5. Finally, start thinking long-term to prepare for the future.

How long can I do it?

What else can I do to protect myself?

What other options are there?

Follow amelamindustry/blog as we explore a wide range of common workplace situations, from handling difficult colleagues to managing stress, improving communication, and advancing your career.

Each article is packed with actionable advice and strategies that you can implement immediately to enhance your professional journey.