Mental health refers to the way -how we feel, think, behave. In quora, this question was asked by someone & actually, this reflects the need to be discussed & finding a way as many of us might be facing the situation. Further, this situation might be untold & remain in our subconscious mind, which only negatively impacts our lives.
Before levelling the organisation's work culture as "toxic", you have to evaluate whether that existing culture affects everyone or the major portion of employees? If the answer is not, definitely you might have to look for sharpening your skills related to your responsibilities.
Now you might ask why the word toxic had been mentioned. Well, Consider a situation in your workplace where achievement matters and not your well being. Do you feel less energetic in going to your workplace the next day? Did you ever feel unattended/neglected/intentionally targeted? If it is yes then you are working in a toxic work culture environment.
However, even if you are working in such a situation, the following steps might work for you
1. Think carefully about what target you have to achieve this month. . Instead of thinking several times or all the time, it is better for spending specific time to go through & have a clear idea.
2. Now that you know about your responsibilities to be shouldered, prepare a schedule or operational plan reflecting activities/subactivities to be achieved day-wise/weekly. ( Scheduling as per organizational objectives).
3. Consult with your seniors, immediate boss/ manager or any employees whom you consider trustworthy if you find difficulties in making this operational plan.
4.Once you have made this operational plan, you have to lock your mental process regarding unseen future fear related to your tasks. You instead should concentrate on the process rather than thinking over on end- impact because that the perfectionist actually do & welcome stress factors to be internalised with their life.
5.Do monitor your progress over your working process & reschedule or change or add in your schedule if you think necessary.
6. Do not indulge in office politics/gossip that will provide you negative energy & a negative self-image.
7.In between your work, you can go for breathing (inhale & exhale)exercise filled by time out & a small break.
8.Do not miss out on any workshop/training provided by your organization for upgrading your skills.
9. Practicing switch off & on of your mind. Try to practice switch off your mind if you feel disturbed & channelise your thought process into some positive & happy memories.
This will make you feel energetic & optimistic.
10. Raising your voice & have clear communication with your boss. You can request a leave for rejuvenation of your energy level & feeling positive.
11. Have your communication process stronger with your family members, trusted friends/peers. Express your concern with them & you will feel relaxed. Your friends, family members may not be a part of your work but they provide a strong basis for optimism & happiness.
12. If you see it still difficult to maintain your mental health within the so-called toxic environment of the organization then be a job hopper. But first do find alternatives.
13. In the case of "mobbing"(psychological harassment where a group of persons target a third person), do report it to your upper hand & in case of failure of your upper hand, knocking to the next hierarchy is advisable.
The organization seems to be toxic for several reasons like--
a) Absence of clear cut HR policy
b) Not Monitoring of HR policy properly.
c) Absence of support or not up to that extent which can make an employee feel guided, relaxed & happy.
d) persistence of polarisation/bias where employees will certainly feel frustrated & develop low self-esteem/insecurity.
e) Absence of two-way communication process. Employees are given only instructions & their voices are not heard regarding fixing of the target or any decision-making process related to their work.
Last but not least don't neglect your mental health. In one of my earlier blogs, I have mentioned not to follow the path of positive consistency in a toxic situation.
World mental health survey reveals in their report that mental health problem exists in all participating countries. WHO developed a 'Mental Health Action Plan(2013--2030)' which reflect the importance of mental health in achieving health for all people.
An organization should develop its policy & emphasize improving HR policy which is free from polarization, individualistic culture. Highlighting mental health is becoming a fashionable culture in some organizations where there doesn't exist any real commitment.
Employees of the organization can be assets if their voices are heard & if steps are taken for facilitating the workplace as mental health-friendly. But for that lots of aspects should be there like come out from egoism of being a founder/senior officials, initiation for two way communication, absence of bias factor, presence of appreciation/reward & above all persistence of both intrinsic & extrinsic motivation system.
Comments