Achieved Strategies

This is the final installment on this topic from Becky Shook

The Toxic Work Environment,The Employee Perspective

Employees are hunkering down, lashing out, or simply moving like zombies through the day trying to survive in the poisonous air that surrounds them. They’ve lost hope that anything will change. And I don’t mean the change that is coming at them from up in which they have no input, and they know is not the best action for the organization. What they know is that management can’t stop long enough to realize that everyone is choking on gaseous fumes, and are barely making it. So, what can the employee do?

Most importantly, reframe perspective about the environment. Yes, we know it sucks! Victor Frankl knew it sucked being in a concentration camp, but that didn’t stop him from helping his counterparts create a world where they learned that when all is taken away, there still exists the ability to create bliss in the middle of nothingness.

Next, it’s important to “coach up”. When management has lost its way, an employee can reach out and offer a “helping hand.” Ask the right questions that help management to see what they may have forgotten. Talk in a way that reminds everyone “we are a team.” Be team even if it doesn’t exist. Swallow one’s pride and be willing to stand for happiness, when no one else will. Lastly, don’t get caught up in the gossip and complaining. The moment you do the game is lost. Instead, walk away from the negative talk. When other opportunities exist for positive conversation, engage people in what is positive, and how we can “together” create a new tomorrow.