Surviving a Toxic Workplace

Work is meant to be a safe place of growth, collaboration, and opportunity. But for many, it can become a place of toxicity, exclusion, and distress. An experience in a toxic workplace can take a serious toll on well-being, ultimately leaving some one no choice but to walk away.

The Signs of a Toxic Workplace

At first, the red flags can be subtle. Small moments of exclusion, whispers behind closed doors, and a lack of support when needed most. But over time, these minor issues can grow into something far more damaging.

Patterns can be noticed—certain employees being favoured while others are pushed aside or silenced. Meetings held without certain staff. Contributions ignored or downplayed, making staff feel invisible within the workplace. The exclusion isn’t just hurtful; it is deliberate.

When Workplace Behaviour Turns Threatening

What can start as subtle exclusion soon escalates. Passive-aggressive comments, belittling remarks, and an overall culture of fear. Some supervisors or colleagues may even issue veiled threats, making it clear that a staff member is not welcome. The workplace becomes an environment where intimidation rules and psychological safety is non-existent.

Coercive Dismissal: When You’re Pushed Out Without Being Fired

Your employer may not outright dismiss you, BUT, they make it clear you no longer belong. Your responsibilities are quietly being reassigned, manager feedback is belittling and negative and you are given impossible targets that set you up to fail. The pressure is relentless. It feels like they want you to quit so they wouldn’t have to fire you, so they don't look bad to others—a tactic known as coercive dismissal.

Each day feels like a battle, with a complete lack of support. Human Resources and the Executive ignore your concerns, your direct manager dismissed your struggles, and colleagues who you thought were friends avoid associating with you out of fear for their own treatment. Being alone to navigate a hostile environment will break you, mentally and emotionally.

Making the Painful Decision to Leave

Many want to fight, to stand ground, but the toll can be too great. The stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion will often become too unbearable. When your workplace becomes a constant source of dread, something has to give.

So, you can make a decision, a decision to walk away—not because you're not capable, not because you have failed, BUT because you deserve better. Leaving isn’t giving up; it is an act of self-preservation.

Moving Forward

Leaving that toxic workplace will be one of the hardest decisions you will ever make, but it was also the best thing you could do for yourself. 

As a Career Coach I advocate for healthier workplace cultures, speak openly about the dangers of toxicity at work, and support others who may be facing similar situations.

No one should have to endure exclusion, threats, or coercion at work. If you’re in a toxic environment, know that you are not alone. You deserve a workplace that values and respects you. And if you need to walk away, do it with your head held high—because your well-being matters more than any job ever will.