Top Signs You’re Experiencing Gaslighting At The Workplace
Many jobs have some level of stress and, unfortunately, have unhealthy patterns. Some people may say that they’ve experienced gaslighting or feel they’re being “manipulated into questioning their own perception of reality.” Best Life, a lifestyle magazine collaborated with therapists and psychologists to compile a list of the top signs you’re experiencing gaslighting at work.
Top Signs You’re Experiencing Gaslighting at the Workplace
At the top of their list is a coworker or supervisor who regularly distorts the facts. Have you ever worked on a collaborative project with a coworker, and that coworker takes credit for the majority of the idea despite the truth being the opposite? Well, this is someone who intentionally distorts the facts.
Another top sign on their list is when you receive unjustly harsh or personal criticism. Their experts say that if you constantly receive harsh criticism, this could be a sign that you’re experiencing gaslighting at work. An example they used would be if you were criticized during a performance review for low productivity, and it was insinuated that the issue is due to your lack of initiative and competence with no mention of inadequate resources or unrealistic workload expectations.
One of their experts said that if you start noticing constantly changing expectations, this could be yet another sign of gaslighting at the workplace. “Goals, deadlines, or project guidelines change frequently with little notice, making it nearly impossible for you to meet expectations or complete tasks successfully,” the expert shared.
Other signs on their list include your boss denying playing favorites, being intentionally isolated from others, and noticing a pattern of broken promises.
Addressing Workplace Gaslighting
“Many say it can be particularly difficult to navigate this scenario without compromising their employment,” they said. For that reason, they suggest that it might be best to first speak with the person directly and resolve the situation on your own. This approach, when received in good faith, “allows the other coworker to rectify the situation and hopefully respect that you brought it to their attention without engaging upper management and threatening their job.”
But if that option just isn’t feasible, they suggest voicing your concerns with a superior. If the gaslighter is your superior, they say to bring the concern to HR so your efforts don’t result in retaliation. Also, along with their suggestions, they note that you should document everything with dates to provide clear evidence in case a situation escalates.
Take a look at some more signs of gaslighting at work here.
9 Office Behaviors You Should Definitely Skip
Oversharing Too Much Personal Information
At the office, it’s usually best to leave your personal problems at the door. Sharing too much about your personal life can make your coworkers uncomfortable, and it might affect your professional image. We all have our ups and downs, but oversharing personal issues, like that big breakup or crazy weekend, can make your coworkers feel a bit awkward. Imagine you’re in the middle of a team meeting discussing a project, and someone suddenly launches into the intricacies of their dating life. But, when it’s an emergency, like someone in the family falling sick or a personal health issue, don’t hesitate to let the right people know.
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Unspoken Office Food Rules
In the realm of office etiquette, there are some unspoken rules regarding food. First, it’s just common sense not to talk with your mouth full. Secondly, it’s a clear no-no to help yourself to someone else’s food from the office fridge. Lastly, be mindful of what you heat in the microwave. Strong-smelling dishes like onion and anchovy pizza can be a bit overwhelming for everyone else. Don’t forget about popcorn in the microwave. Burnt popcorn smell isn’t pleasant for anyone. So, keep an eye on it while it’s popping.
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Personal Grooming
While it’s great to stay fresh and clean at work, you’d typically want to steer clear of doing your personal grooming stuff in the office. That means no nail clipping, nail polishing, nose-picking, or any other grooming rituals that might make your coworkers cringe. Save that stuff for your personal time.
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Unnecessary Noise
In a cramped office with thin walls and no private doors to shut, you should be considerate of the shared space. It’s a good idea to keep personal calls and loud chit-chat to a minimum, especially in open workspaces. Nobody wants their concentration derailed, right? And speaking of noise, save the rock concert-level music and the crazy loud social media videos for after hours.
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Messy Workspace
Maintaining a tidy workspace is a must. You wouldn’t want to become known as the person with the messy cubicle that has an odd odor, right? Whether you have a desk all to yourself or not, keeping it clean and organized can do wonders for your daily productivity and overall work experience.
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Poor Hygiene
Showing up to work with poor hygiene is a no-go. For starters, it’s all about keeping things professional and respecting your colleagues. Nobody wants to sit next to a coworker with funky smells, right? Feeling fresh and clean can boost your mood and your work game. If you ever need a quick hygiene fix, no shame in stepping away to use some deodorant or give your teeth a brush in the bathroom.
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Personal Space & Boundaries
Whether you’re in an open office or a cubicle doesn’t matter. Respecting personal space is a must. Being considerate of your colleagues’ belongings and giving them room to breathe is key. It ensures a productive and respectful office atmosphere where everyone can focus without feeling crowded or uncomfortable.
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Overdoing It With Foul Language
While a slip of a swear word might happen to the best of us in the office, you can’t predict what language might rub a coworker or boss the wrong way. To keep the peace, it’s a good plan to steer clear of strong language in your office chats and messages. And when it comes to those work emails, stick to pro-speak. It’s just safer and smoother that way.
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Leaving It How You Found It
Leave things as you found them. For instance, if you happen to use up the last sheet of copy paper, it’s a common courtesy to make sure it gets replaced. This small act of consideration contributes to a cooperative atmosphere and ensures that the office operates seamlessly. It’s a simple yet effective way to demonstrate respect for your colleagues and the workplace as a whole.
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