By: Ann Kullikoff
As I look back at all the great people I have met throughout my career, I am grateful to have many of those people in my life today and call them friends. We started as colleagues working on a project or other work together as part of a team. As I reflect on the common thread, we shared similar values, and we were passionate about the work we did.
Having people with shared values is an important part of having a strong support group. It’s critical and healthy to have people in your network that value each other. Regardless of the work and industry you are in, you need to have people you can reach out to and depend on. We don’t always get the chance to pick the individuals we work with in order to get the lob done. But it is important to have people we can count on. Many of us hold similar values that we live by and expect of others which include respect, trust, and integrity. We need to remember these values and exhibit them in all our interactions to create a positive work environment for ourselves and others around us.
We should all expect to be treated with respect and dignity in the work environment. But this is not always the case and therefore important to know the red flags of toxic behaviors in the workplace. Individuals at every level of an organization can contribute to workplace toxicity. Toxicity can come from business leaders, bad managers, or disengaged employees.
In a recent MIT Sloan’s‘ study, toxic work cufture is the number-one reason people cite for leaving their lobs. This often is a result of these toxic behavior being accepted in the workplace. These experiences happen way too often and take away from a healthy and productive work environment. It is a topic that is not always easy to discuss, however, it is important for people to know that they are not alone. It is important for companies to address this issue, as it impacts the morale of all employees. Through the discussion there is an awareness to help better address these behaviors. Helping employees stay healthy benefits everyone.
It is important to have a strong support system of people to heip you navigate through these times. They can help you keep perspective and focused on your work rather than the toxic environment. It Is not always easy to leave a job so having the necessary tools and information to help you establish a healthy work environment. Start your day with a positive mindset and keep the golden rule in mind “In everything, treat others as you would lIke to be treated”. It is simple but powerful!
Stay focused on doing a great job and keeping your support network strong with healthy and meaningful relationships. We all need to do our part to help others feel valued.