How to Deal With a Toxic Work Environment? - Essay Sample

The organization I work is a government parastatal that deals with the publication of books. The organization has different departments ranging from the publishing department, quality assurance, procurement, editorial, legal, and marketing departments among others. The organization, therefore, houses people from different professions working together to ensure that the organizational vision, mission, and objectives are met. I work in the sale and marketing department, and our sole purpose is to ensure that we sell as many books as possible to the general public and schools and to stay ahead of our competition. The working conditions at the organization are great since my working hours are from 8 am to 5 pm. I would say the salary is standard and so are the benefits. I started working at the organization three years ago, and it has been a constant learning process. The overall staff is close to 200 employees meaning that we have a diverse culture. The downside of working at the organization, however, is the constant political situation in the organization that goes against my ethical standards. There are various aspects of political cultures that organizations face, and my organization is not an exception. The paper explains how I would survive different toxic environments present within the organization.

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Communication is an essential component for any relationship to work. In the same way, the success of any organization is dependent on the level and communication available and its effectiveness (Karanges, 2015). Therefore, an organization with communication problems would create an organizational environment that would be limiting in terms of progress (Quintanilla, 2018). Communication problems in an organization can root from a lack of hierarchy which can lead to incompetence. It becomes difficult to understand who is in charge of a certain department or project if the same is not communicated to other members of the team (Karanges, 2015). Therefore the team members might lose their sense of direction, and not much can be achieved in that instance. In the same way, if the communication channel between the managers and employees is nonexistent, then progress is hindered (Karanges, 2015). In the event of major communication problems in my organization, I would take the initiative to ensure that I communicate in a manner that is using the proper channels of communication. I will write an email when I need something from my superior, and in case he does not reply; I will follow up verbally and remind him. Conflict arises where there is no communication. Thus, I will ensure that my team has open communication by constantly holding meetings and discussing the way forward. I would finally raise the issue of communication at a general meeting and encourage the creation of a culture of communication since it not only brings people together but also allows for growth.

An organizational environment whereby there is the inconsistency of individuals not following policies is toxic. It destroys the natural balance of things and goes against the ethical values of the organization or individuals. It tends to make employees less productive since the rules and policies that govern them are not as strict. It is the responsibility of the management to ensure that policies are followed consistently and failure to do so should be punished (Cornwall, 2005). In the event of the issue at my workplace, I would take it upon myself to ensure that policies are treated with the respect they deserve by every member of the organization regardless of their hierarchical status. Consistency in following policies is imperative for the growth of any organization, and therefore the emphasis on its importance should be made (Cornwall, 2005). I would ensure that all employees in my department understand the policies in the organization and follow them religiously, failure to do so will attract consequences. I would also encourage members of my team to communicate more to air any problems they may encounter with policies. If the inconsistency in following policies arises from superiors, I would communicate it to them politely to ensure transparency and let them know that they are seen as an example by the rest of the team.

Narcissistic and toxic leaders can make one lose the motivation to work. They are characterized by micro-managing of subordinates, rudeness, threats, and lack of respect among others. These leaders only think about themselves, and they do consider their subordinates (Tavanti, 2011). Narcissistic and toxic leaders are bad leaders; they drain the energy out of a work environment by wanting full control over everything that happens (Tavanti, 2011). It may be hard to deal with such kind of leaders since the best way is by ensuring they leave the organization. If my work environment presented me with a toxic leader, I would, first of all, ensure that I have understood how the leader works. I will then present my ideas to them in a manner that allows them to take partial credit for it. The strategy will allow me to move forward while working closely with the leader. I would also work hard to ensure that I am a positive influence on him or her to recognize and change the behavior. I will ensure that I do not confront them since they view confrontation as disrespect and that could cost me my job. I would also not avoid them since they thrive in attention and I would keep my expectations low to avoid disappointments since they are self-centered. The best way to deal with narcissistic and toxic leadership is setting up a system of checks and balances that ensures that each employee gives feedback on senior leaders (Tavanti, 2011).

Disgruntlement regarding political culture can cause one to feel like they are a toxic work environment that does them more harm than good. The political situation of an organization can include allowing unethical behaviors like favoritism, gender inequality, racial segregation, backdoor hiring and nepotism among others into the workplace. The issues are normally bigger than an individual employee since they have been cultivated over some time into the organizational culture (Landells, 2017). Therefore, dealing with these issues can be difficult especially at an individual level. Politics in the work environment create a feeling of insecurity. As such if faced with any form of office politics I would, first of all, analyze the organization chart and understand who holds the real powers and influence in an organization (Landells, 2017). I would then understand the informal networks and know how connections work. After identifying them, I would focus on building meaningful networks and high-quality connections (Landells, 2017). I will further build my social skills and to ensure that I am more approachable. Taking advantage of the connections I have made will also allow me to be more proactive. Finally, I would neutralize negative politics by remaining professional, avoiding rumors and be assertive when voicing concerns.

Physical and emotional health are imperative for the progress of an employee. Organizations have the responsibility of ensuring that they provide a safe environment for their employees that is safe from physical hazards or emotional dangers (Landy, 2016). There have been cases of employees falling into depression due to the pressure of the work environment or getting sick because they have been exposed to conditions that have affected their physical health. Every organization has guidelines and policies that are meant to protect employees against work-related dangers (Landy, 2016). Therefore, I will ensure I am conversant with them and lobby for a safer work environment. As mentioned earlier, communication is key, and thus, I will communicate with my superiors the nature of the effects certain practices have on my physical and emotional health (Quintanilla, 2018). I will make it known that I value those two factors and that I would not compromise them for anything. If the management of the organization is not willing to listen to my grievances, I will issue a notice and quit my job since I believe nothing should stand in the way of my physical or emotional health, not even my work.

In the event when all the five factors are present in my work environment, I would first gauge to what extent I could influence change. I would consider the roles I could take up to ensure that I help create a more conducive work environment for my team and I. I would not consider leaving the organization as my first option. Instead, I would strive to be an agent of change. However, if the strategy does not work for me, then I will quit. If the environment is consumed my motivation and affects my mental health, then I will give up and find a new job.

References

Cornwall, A., & Brock, K. (2005). What do buzzwords do for development policy? A critical look at 'participation','empowerment'and 'poverty reduction'. Third world quarterly, 26(7), 1043-1060.

Karanges, E., Johnston, K., Beatson, A., & Lings, I. (2015). The influence of internal communication on employee engagement: A pilot study. Public Relations Review, 41(1), 129-131.

Landells, E. M., & Albrecht, S. L. (2017). The positives and negatives of organizational politics: A qualitative study. Journal of business and psychology, 32(1), 41-58.

Landy, F. J., & Conte, J. M. (2016). Work in the 21st century, Binder ready version: An introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology. John Wiley & Sons.

Tavanti, M. (2011). Managing toxic leaders: Dysfunctional patterns in organizational leadership and how to deal with them. Human Resource Management, 2011, 127-136.

Quintanilla, K. M., & Wahl, S. T. (2018). Business and professional communication: keys for workplace excellence. Sage Publications.