Overcoming the damage of workplace issues
The impact of workplace issues, especially unresolved issues, on an individual are huge and the effects can be long lasting. Workplace issues can include anything from redundancy, harassment, bullying, to discrimination, the list of workplace issues is extensive. It can be a one off experience or it can be a constant daily problem and involve anyone at any level you come into contact with at work. 36% of UK adults have experienced workplace discrimination and just 3 in 10 feel psychologically safe at work, research shows these figures are growing rather than declining. Toxic workplaces are harming the health and mental well-being of many workers. Stress is now the main reason for being signed off work.
Workplace-induced emotional trauma is very real however it can be difficult to identify for a myriad of reasons. We are regularly told to be resilient, to toughen up and get on with things. People are conditioned to see resilience as a badge of honour, it is a way to divert attention from examining the difficulties we're expected to overcome. Living in a state of perpetual resilience is not sustainable; we are not designed to exist in an environment that perpetually signals danger and normalises exploitation. There can also be a misconception that working should not be inherently enjoyable, it’s meant to be hard. Finally it can take time to reflect and acknowledge what it is you are going through or have gone through at work and the impact it has had.
Having first hand experience of discrimination in a toxic workplace, which was not addressed until I took the employer in question to court, I know how deeply traumatising negative experiences in the workplace are. After I finally left the organisation that had treated me unfavourably, for a long period of time, I wondered if I would ever feel secure in a working environment again. I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to put my trust in an employer. When you have dedicated yourself to working hard and put effort into building relationships with your colleagues it can feel like a huge betrayal when those colleagues fail you and watch you struggle. Trying to overcome a break in trust can feel impossible, realising that the people you thought valued you really did not is a big personal blow. I certainly found this to be the case and it was during a time when I was feeling particularly vulnerable after having a baby. My confidence was at an all time low despite the historic success I had had in my career.
I believe it is possible to recover from workplace-induced emotional trauma but it is a slow process, it takes a lot of reflection and self-awareness, sadly this isn’t something that every person has the opportunity to do. There is a level of privilege in being able to take the time to reflect and repair following negative experiences at work. Also not everyone can easily escape the toxic workplaces that cause trauma. For people who have support whether it be financial or emotional, it can be easier to leave a job that is impacting their mental health, but for others, it’s not that straightforward.
Everyone deserves to have hope for a working environment that makes you feel valued, purposeful and respected. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights "everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment”. Additionally the International Labour Organization defines “decent work” as: work that is productive; offers a fair income and social protection; provides opportunities for personal development, and promotion, and organising and participating in work-related decisions; and ensures equality in the work-place.
After an incredibly damaging experience in my career I followed a number of approaches which helped me to find fulfilling work that did not fill me with dread and insecurity.
Taking time away from work to re-evaluate what was important to me in my career. My self-worth had unknowingly become intrinsically linked to a job title and salary, it took a lot of effort to untangle that and it’s an ongoing process. Getting comfortable with a perceived change in status that may happen when you make a sideward or even downward career ladder move can free you to make brave changes in your career. There will be sacrifices but what is the point in earning a big salary if you feel miserable the majority of the time.
Getting clear on what I could and/or would compromise on. If you would like to spend less time working it might not be realistic to expect your earnings to remain unchanged.
Investing in a career coach to help me explore what direction my career could go in. Career coaches can support you in navigating your next move, allow you to move forward with intention and help to identify all the amazing talents you have.
Researching organisations and job roles that aligned with what I had established was important to me. Finding a new job doesn’t guarantee that your next employer will be perfect, however knowing what to avoid and what you’re looking for can help make finding a better work environment easier.
Talking through what happened to me at work really helped me to validate my feelings. Counselling isn’t the most affordable option but trained professionals can give you the tools you need to heal from the past and find a way to move on.
Setting and sticking to boundaries for example not responding to work queries outside of paid working hours or adhering to contracted hours can help re-build trust and provide assurances that there are trustworthy employers out there. Realising that saying no at work won’t always end in disaster for you.
Discovering ways to develop that provide fulfillment outside of work for example volunteering. The work I do as a magistrate and providing advice through Let’s Talk Work provide huge personal reward for me and give me so many opportunities to develop skills that benefit me professionally.
There are many other ways to repair from work trauma which may be more accessible for example taking care of yourself by being physically active, getting outside for some fresh air even when you don’t feel like it, tracking your feelings by regularly writing down your thoughts and observations.
Feeling safe and valued in a new role and/or new organisation won’t always happen immediately. Trust is often built slowly, each interaction with new colleagues can provide a new understanding of what working in a safe environment feels like. Developing positive relationships with coworkers and managers who are genuinely concerned about your well-being, can also help to establish trust and confidence. This can be disorienting especially after negative experiences in a person's career.
While our experiences make us who we are, they don’t have to define us. It is possible to move forward and thrive in a new role free from trauma.
I am a huge believer in the value and importance of working however work should be a place where you learn, are rewarded and respected. Evidence shows that stable and secure work can improve health and well-being by providing a regular income, social interaction, and sense of purpose. I believe it is incredibly important for women to have their own income and a pension provision for the future. Financial independence especially for women cannot be understated. The great Emmeline Pankhurst once said:
“I was always anxious to have outside work… Women are the better and the happier for occupation; it raises them socially and intellectually”
If you are finding life difficult as a result of workplace issues and you are struggling to cope there is help available, please contact: