Rising Above a Toxic Workplace

Regardless of whether you’re still going into work every day, or you’re carrying your duties remotely, working in a toxic environment can be a horrible experience.

In some workplaces personality clashes aren’t hidden, with colleagues being openly hostile or aggressive to each other.

In others, people’s contempt for those they work alongside can be more subtle with gossip damaging the personal or professional reputations of their intended targets.

Some people in positions of authority resort to bullying because of personal dislikes or because it’s their very poor attempt at a management style.

Possibly most damaging of all is when employees are shunned or ignored but those around them.

Such behaviours can be hugely damaging. The impact on anyone exposed to such a poisonous atmosphere can go far beyond not enjoying their work. Some people can be drained of confidence to the point that their mental health suffers.

For anyone who finds themselves in a toxic department or organisation, here are some suggestions on how to cope.

Don’t Join In

There is nothing wrong in confiding in a colleague when you are unhappy with something at work. If you disagree with a decision a manager has made or some feedback you’ve received, sharing your unhappiness with someone you trust is a natural move.

Indulging in workplace gossip is another thing entirely. Whether it’s face to face or via email, it may seem relatively harmless – but it’s not. The intended target can end up with a tarnished reputation, often based on a rumour that’s completely untrue. The consequences can be even more severe should the intended target find out what has been said.

And they may not be the only one to suffer. Colleagues may not trust you should you become known for making malicious comments about the people your work with.

Don’t Take Sides

There are many reasons why workplace grudges develop. Sometimes they are sparked by an individual incident or they can build up over time. Then, there are professional rivalries, where competitive colleagues see each other as a threat to their own career prospects.

Regardless of the circumstances, being caught in the middle of such conflict can be extremely difficult.

While it may be tempting to take sides, try to avoid becoming drawn into a situation that’s nothing to do with you. Instead, aim to maintain positive working relationships with everyone and remain neutral when it comes to bickering and squabbling.

Talk to Someone

When a team, department or organisation is so blatantly toxic, there’s a good chance that you won’t be the only one who notices.

Speaking with colleagues you trust about your concerns will hopefully result in you finding out that you are not alone. While it won’t make the problem go away, knowing that there are others who feel the same way you do will hopefully provide some short-term reassurance. If speaking to a stranger feels like a better option, consider contacting an employee assistance programme.

If the situation goes beyond an unpleasant atmosphere to bullying, then report it. Whether you’re the victim or it’s a colleague who is suffering, it takes courage to speak up – but it’s the right thing to do.

Think about your future

While you might be able to put up with a toxic atmosphere in the short-term, as time goes on even the most resilient and mentally tough individuals will feel it. And while working from home may offer some protection, don’t assume that it completely shelters you from whatever it is that is dragging your workplace down.

If there’s no sign of change, then it is time to move on. Your career, confidence and mental health could all be damaged if you don’t. If you feel able to be patient and wait for the right opportunity, then great. But if you’re struggling, try to get out as soon as possible.

While a negative experience may make you hesitant about moving and going through something similar again, it’s important to remember not every workplace is like this. There are plenty of positive, progressive and welcoming organisations out there.

When the Interviewer Hates You

The whole point of a job interview is to make a good impression. Every candidate wants to wow the interviewers with their skills and experience so that it’s almost impossible to reject them.

But it isn’t always plain sailing.

Sometimes, you get the sense that things aren’t going well. It might be that you struggle to answer, or stumble over, a particular question. Or, even worse, you don’t feel like you’re making a good impression with the people asking the questions.

Having a feeling that an interviewer doesn’t like you is horrible. It can dent your confidence and lead to a difficult experience where hopes of the job disappear in front of your eyes.

So, even if things get off to a rocky start, it’s important to keep the interview on track and ensure that you stay in contention for the job. Here are some tips for helping you to achieve just that.

Don’t Panic

Easier said than done but failing to hit it off with an interviewer doesn’t mean that all is lost. The following points should be kept in mind:

Your belief that the interviewer doesn’t isn’t a fan of yours might not be true.
The remainder of the interview is an opportunity to turn any negative impressions into positive ones.
The individual concerned may not have the final say when it comes to who gets the job.

Try to Build Rapport

Even if the interview hasn’t had the best of starts, the aim of the candidate should continue to be to give the best possible version of themselves.

Smile and make good eye contact with the people across the table, or on the screen if it’s a video interview. Speak positively about yourself, your career and the role you are applying for.

Don’t Overdo it

While showing enthusiasm is usually beneficial when going through the recruitment process, be careful not to go too far if the interview isn’t going to plan.

Cracking jokes, talking too much, going off subject or focusing too much on the interviewer who doesn’t appear to be a fan won’t turn things around.

Learn from the Experience

If your application ultimately proves to be unsuccessful it’s important to learn from the experience. Did you say or do anything that could have offended the interviewer or left them feeling less than impressed by you as a candidate?

However, it’s also important to remember that a failure to connect with an interviewer is not automatically your fault. It could have been down to unconscious bias, a random dislike or a lack of people skills on the part of the other person or people involved.

Step up your Job Search in 2021

If you spent 2020 applying for multiple jobs, only to be rejected every time, then perhaps 2021 is the year for a different approach.

Here are eleven suggestions for improving your job-hunting process and, in turn, giving your career prospects a much- needed boost.

Update Your CV

Are you really detailing your skills and achievements, or just noting a list of tasks in each job? Also, ensure any recent experience or relevant training is included and use keywords to overcome applicant tracking systems.

Draft a Killer Cover Letter

Far too many good or great CV’s are undermined by a lazy, uninspiring cover letter. It’s another opportunity to tell a prospective employer about who you are and why they need to give you the job.

Use LinkedIn

There’s a huge difference between having a LinkedIn account and using LinkedIn to your advantage. Once you have tidied up your own page (suitable photo, engaging profile summary, etc…), then use it to network, blog and find work. This, from last year, is worth a read.

Contact Employers

If employers aren’t knocking down your door, then down theirs…well, not literally. But if there’s a particular industry or company you want to work for, contact them direct. You never know what might happen.

Upload your CV to Job Websites

Many of the big websites allow job hunters to upload a CV or CV’s. Make yours stand out and you may be headhunted.

Register with Recruitment Agencies

Many agencies specialise in particular sectors and may be able to put you in touch with suitable employers.

Think About a Portfolio Career

Perhaps you don’t need a new job…instead you need two or three or four. Think about what you’re good and make the most of your talents, working hours that suit you.

Consider a Qualification

Your CV or application form saying that you’re good at something is fine but backing it up with a recognised qualification can put you ahead of the competition.

Use Different Websites

Consider sector specific sites if you know what you want to do. Alternatively, visit the careers sections of large organisations or public services.

Work for a Charity

Good causes need admin, human resources, IT, maintenance and marketing staff as much as large, private organisations. Check out the likes of Charity Job and Goodmoves for vacancies that could lead to greater job satisfaction.

Practice the Interview

For some applicants, the CV or the application form is the easy bit. Their issues only start at the interview. Regardless of it’s down to nerves, lack of confidence or experience, practicing possible interview questions with a friend, relative or colleague could prove to be hugely beneficial.

6 Reasons to Take a Salary Drop

Not everyone is motivated by money but it’s still an important factor when deciding on a job or career. It’s natural that people want to be paid what they’re worth, and they will expect their salary to grow as they gain more skills and experience.

However, there are some situations where choosing to take a drop in salary is not only acceptable, but it’s actually the right move in the long-term. Here are some examples:

Career Change

Moving into a completely different line of work may mean that you must start all over again. Being at the bottom of the ladder may mean a lower salary than you are used to but at least you’ll be working towards the career of your choosing, if not your dreams.

Returning to Studies

Going back to college or university (or going for the first time) may feel like a backward step, but it’s only a temporary measure. While you will have fewer opportunities to earn during the period of your course (due to studying, exams etc), achieving a new qualification will hopefully benefit you more in the long-term.

Dropping Hours

Creating the perfect work-life balance isn’t always easy and sometimes, something has to give. While some workers lose out financially by making a small reduction in the number of hours they work, they gain by having peace of mind and more control of their lives beyond the workplace.

Changing Shift

Some roles provide allowances for working ‘anti-social’ hours, such as weekends or nightshift. While the additional financial rewards will be welcome, permanently working such shift patterns can be mentally and physically demanding. Moving to a role with more ‘traditional’ hours may be more beneficial to some than the increase in their salary.

You Want Less Responsibility

There may be points in your career when you decide that it’s time to take a step back. It may be that a senior management role or some other demanding post that could also include long hours, high pressure or extensive travel. Amending some of your duties, or changing job altogether, could be the answer.

You’re Miserable

If you find yourself deeply unhappy because of your job, to the point where it impacts on life away from the workplace, then it’s time to act. Moving to another post may result in a lower salary, but if it benefits your mental health, then it’s for the best.

New Job or New Career?

“That’s it! I’ve had enough.”

After another awful working day, you’ve decided that it’s time for a change. You’re ready to move on and leave your current employer behind.

While there’s nothing wrong with that way of thinking, it’s important to know what type of change you need. Is moving to a new organisation for a similar role enough? Or is it time to consider a full career change?

The following factors will hopefully steer you in the right direction.

It’s Time for a New Job When…

You don’t like the organisation

It might be the culture, the terms and conditions or the actual working environment. Some people love their job while hating their employer.

You don’t like the people

Not every workplace is one big happy family. If you don’t get on with your colleagues or the boss is a nightmare, it’s time to move on.

Location is a problem

A long commute can be a nightmare, particularly with busy roads or poor public transport. For others, working from home can be the problem.

There’s a glass ceiling

You’re ambitious and want to progress but you always seem to be passed over for promotion opportunities. There’s only so much rejection one person can take.

It’s Time for a New Career When…

Boredom has set in

It’s Groundhog Day. Every task, every aspect of your working day feels like a chore. And you know you would feel the same performing that role at another company.

You’re not enjoying what you do

People change. As you get older your values may change and you could become less comfortable with what you do for a living.

You’ve seen something else

If your head has already been turned and you’ve seen a shiny new career that appeals to you, then you may already know where your future lies.

You’ve looked into the future

“Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?” If the answer isn’t where you are now, then it’s time to think about doing something else.

Becoming the Boss

Promotion to a supervisory or management position for the first time represents a huge moment in any career. There’s an increased salary, more responsibility and hopefully the first of many steps up the ladder – if that’s what you want.

Being the boss also presents many challenges. As well as an increased and demanding workload, there’s conflict, workplace politics and potentially overseeing people who you used to work alongside.

Now, the situation is further complicated by managing remotely due to Covid-19.

The following pointers will hopefully help anyone who is leading a group of colleagues for the first time.

Avoid Power Trips

Management, regardless of how high up you are in the organisation, is about so much more than handing out orders to those who report to you. So, don’t let any added responsibility go to your head – you’ll quickly alienate your team and create a negative atmosphere.

Get to Know Your Team

It’s difficult to manage staff when you don’t know what makes them tick. That doesn’t mean interrogating anyone, it’s more about showing an interest. Finding out what an employee’s hope, dreams and personal circumstances are will make it easier to motivate them and get the best from them.

Be Approachable

“My door is always open.” So many managers say it, but how many mean it? Anyone reporting to you needs to feel comfortable approaching you, for work issues or more personal matters. Encouraging an open-door policy builds trust and respect.

Be Assertive

Too many people equate assertiveness with raising their voice and being forceful, behaviours which are aggressive. Instead, an assertive manager can stand up for themselves, and put their point across, while remaining calm and composed. They do this while recognising the thoughts and feelings of others.

Communicate Effectively

A manager must ensure staff know what’s expected of them and keep them up to date with any information that’s relevant to their role. But it’s a two-way street, so a good leader will also try to listen, and act upon, the thoughts and opinions of those who report to them. Deciding on the correct method of communication is also vital.

Make Decisions

One of the biggest changes many new managers notice is the amount of decisions they have to make on a daily basis – particularly those that impact on others. Sometimes they are routine, while others have a bigger impact on a team or department. Trust your judgment and you’ll be fine.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

Despite what said above, that doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. If you genuinely don’t know the answer to a question or how to deal with an unusual situation, look to experienced colleagues for advice. Saying “I don’t know” isn’t a sign of weakness, it shows that you are self-assured enough to realise that nobody knows everything.

Lead by Example

When you’re in a management post, the way you conduct yourself will influence the way others behave. If you want a team that’s positive, hard working and able to deal with challenges or setbacks, you have to be all of those things. That doesn’t mean pretending that everything is always wonderful – it’s about having the right attitude.

Making the Most of an Appraisal

Appraisals, Performance Review Systems or whatever they are called by your employer, are treated very differently from one organisation to another.

Some firms take appraisals seriously, fully utilising them to the benefit of both employer and employee. Other companies, however, view the whole process as nothing more than a ‘tick the box’ exercise.

Regardless of how your organisation views it, your end of year review can be an important part of your career development. Here are some ways in which you can use your appraisal to your advantage.

Find Out How You’re Doing

While you won’t know what your line manager is going to say word for word, your appraisal meeting shouldn’t have too many surprises. If you’ve been receiving regular performance updates, you should have a fair idea of how you are progressing.

However, different managers have different ideas about feedback and how often it’s delivered. So, if it isn’t always easy to pin your boss down during the course of the year, use the meeting to find out exactly how well your are performing and what he or she thinks of you.

Highlight any Concerns

Any good appraisal meeting should be a two-way street. So, while any positive or negative feedback should not be new to you, the same should apply to any issues you have.

However, sitting down with your manager is an opportunity to discuss any problems or worries you have in more depth. It’s also a chance to push for an answer on any concerns you have raised during the course of the year.

Use Supporting Evidence

As mentioned above, you should be kept up to date regarding how you are performing against any targets set for you. Being aware of your results during the year puts you in a far stronger position as your approach the meeting with your boss.

If you want to challenge your appraisal grading, ask for a pay rise or show that you are ready for more challenges or responsibility, you can back up your claims with cold hard facts.

Plan Your Career

While an appraisal is largely a review of the year just past, it is also about looking ahead. If you are interested in progressing within your organisation, use the process to your advantage.

You can agree with your manager on objectives or targets that you can help you to move forward. This could include training (online, in-house or external), secondments or additional tasks. Seeing a clear route to the career you want can be a real boost to your confidence and motivation.

Formalise Any Requests

How often have you asked your supervisor about going on a training course or being allowed to complete a specific task? They agree and tell you they’ll sort it…then nothing. Your request has gone in one ear and out of the other.

By raising any issues of this kind at your appraisal, the manager involved will not only be obliged to record what you have asked, they’ll also need to revisit it in twelve months’ time. And if you haven’t been granted what you asked for, you’ll be perfectly entitled to query why not.

Reasons to Love Video Interviews

Video interviews are, for many job hunters, a necessary evil. The Covid-19 lockdown means that remote interviewing has quickly moved from being a novelty to the norm.

It’s a format that isn’t without its issues. Technical difficulties, poor connection and talking when someone on the screen in front of you hasn’t finished speaking are all challenges faced by many interviewees.

But it isn’t all bad. Despite some negative coverage on websites and social media, there are a host of benefits to being interviewed via Teams, Skype, Zoom are any other video conferencing service.

You’ll be on Time

In addition to the interview itself, one of the biggest causes of stress is planning your arrival at the venue. What bus or train do you need to get? Or where you can park your car?

A video interview, from the comfort of your own home, means one less thing to worry about. Instead of rushing to make your appointment, you can be relaxed, getting in some last-minute practice, double checking your laptop or taking some time to relax and compose yourself.

You Can Decide on the ‘Venue’

When it comes to where interviews are held, some organisations do it right. Large, air-conditioned rooms with comfortable seating and tasteful décor. Unfortunately, not every employer can provide such luxuries, with some companies struggling for space and interviews being held in what feels like no bigger than a broom cupboard.

Being at home, you can choose a comfortable room with plenty of natural light and set the room temperature to your own preference. Just don’t get too comfy – be in a chair looking directly at the screen and don’t be tempted to lounge around on the couch or your bed.

It’s Less Intimidating

Sitting across a desk from one or more people who are firing questions at you while watching your every move can be a scary (traumatic?) experience. The room feels small no matter how big it is, you’re sweating, and your voice sounds croaky.

While a remote interview can’t stop the questions, it can at least put a bit of distance between you and the interviewer(s). That might put you a bit more at ease and make the whole process just a little less frightening.

You can Cheat

Now, hold on. This doesn’t mean that you can tell blatant lies about your achievements, experience or skills. But there are a couple of sneaky shortcuts which could make a difference to how well the interview goes.

A couple of post-it notes on the edge of your laptop screen would allow you to recall key points or examples you want to put across, without making it obvious that you are referring to your notes. Also, while you need to adopt the same dress code for a video interview as its face to face equivalent, the interviewer will only see your top half. So, if shorts, pyjama trousers or slippers make you more comfortable, then go for it.

Home Working and Home Schooling

Home working can be tough. Home schooling can be difficult. So, as many parents will have found out over recent months, combining the two is extremely challenging.

And with many schoolchildren in the UK likely to return to school on a part-time basis, learning at home seems set to continue for some time to come.

Every parent’s homelife and family circumstances are different, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to striking a balance between carrying out your job and ensuring that your child’s educational needs are met.

However, the following tips will hopefully help you and your little ones thrive in the weeks and months ahead. Obviously, the effectiveness of this advice will depend on factors including the type of job, the age and number of children and the amount of space you have at home.

Talk to your Employer

If having the kids at home impacts on one or more aspects of your job, then speak to someone within your organisation. Be honest about any issues you face and together, you can work to resolve them.

This could include a change to your working hours or a colleague taking on some tasks for you.

Plan your day

It’s important to structure your day in a way that allows you to focus on what you’re doing but also helps you to meet your parental responsibilities.

If your role has the flexibility to allow you to carry out pieces of work when it suits, then do it. Start early while the children are asleep or work late after they’ve gone to bed. Also, use breaks to check in with the kids or help with schoolwork.

Set Boundaries

Regardless of how much you love spending time with your kids, there are times when you need to detach yourself from the rest of the family. If you’re answering customer phone calls, painting pictures or handling legal documents then you need to ensure that the little ones steer clear.

Set clear rules such as making a room a ‘no-go’ area or make sure they know that your laptop, workstation and anything else work related are off limits.

Include the Kids

If warning them off isn’t the right approach for your kids, then get them involved. Set them mini tasks linked to your job or, if they’re old enough, let them help for real.

Ask them for ideas or opinions, show them how spreadsheets work or let them act as your assistant. And if you can link any of it to what they’re learning at school then that’s a bonus.

Be Flexible

No matter how much you plan to be the perfect employee and home teacher there will still be tears, tantrums, bickering, spilled juice and messy rooms…and that’s just you.

Be ready to deal with any issues that arise during the day and amend your working day accordingly. Some days will be better than others but you’ll get there.

The Work from Home Revolution

Millions of people who hadn’t worked from home pre-lockdown now understand what all the fuss was about. Rolling out of bed five minutes before your start time, logging in to a laptop while still wearing pyjamas and comfortable in the knowledge that you will do a day’s work without going beyond your own four walls.

And it looks like many of those people who have long campaigned for home working will get their wish, with some companies considering closing offices and workplaces permanently.

As well as the obvious financial savings for organisations, there are concerns that some working environments will be unsuitable due to ongoing physical distancing requirements.

But, working from home isn’t for everyone. While it will be perfect for some, it will present challenges and difficulties for others. So, for balance, here are some of potential pros and cons:

Pros of Working from Home

No commute

No travel costs and not having to spend hours on a train or bus every week is a massive bonus. It will also allow job hunters to apply for posts with companies who are based further afield.

Wear what you want

Business suits and power dressing are out, comfy clothes are in. You’ll feel more comfortable and save money on ties and shoes.

Less anxiety

When the boss has a day off everyone feels just that little bit more relaxed – so imagine that feeling every day. You can work without someone constantly looking over your shoulder and there’s the added bonus of no more workplace gossip.

More flexibility

While some jobs (e.g phone based/customer service roles) have to be carried at set times, others allow for more freedom. You can set your own hours and fit them around the other parts of your life such as exercise, kids, shopping or home improvements.

Cons of Working from Home

Less social interaction

For a variety of reasons, some people’s only real contact with the outside world is at work. Taking that away can lead to increased feelings of isolation.

No team spirit

Some people tolerate their job because they love their working team or group. If that disappears then it’s just another job, carried out by a group of people scattered across a town, a city or even further afield.

Less experience of working environment

Any graduate or school leaver who goes straight into a home-based role will miss out on the benefits of an everyday working environment. No experienced staff to learn from and reduced social development.

Can get too comfortable

There is a fine line between feeling relaxed and being ‘too relaxed’ at work. When you’re surrounded by home comforts like television, the internet, your garden or your fridge, it can be easy to take your foot off the pedal.