Experiences with a toxic workplace can scar workers even after they leave their environments. What does this mean?
- Workplace-induced trauma can be caused by racism, bullying, poor work-life boundaries, and other issues. Research suggests work-related trauma is increasingly common.
- Because the workplace plays a significant role in our psyches, a toxic work environment can take a tremendous toll, especially if it isn’t recognized and addressed.
- Those workers who have experienced past traumas are more likely to struggle in toxic work environments.
What can you do to help?
- Give workers a safe space to talk about their feelings, their concerns, and their past experiences.
- Push for culture change. Build actual pathways to reform a toxic workplace and communicate these to workers.
- Work to create better work boundaries and promote work-life balance.
- Make sure workers have access to mental health services and that they are stigmatized or judged for using these.
