Do you ever feel like your boss or colleagues are trying to convince you that everything is okay when it clearly isn't? You might be experiencing gaslighting in the workplace, a form of toxic positivity that can be harmful to your mental health and career. Read on to learn more about how to identify it and overcome it.
Toxic positivity is a dangerous phenomenon that has taken over workplaces in recent years. It is the belief that no matter how bad things get, we should always maintain a positive attitude and outlook. While positivity is important, toxic positivity can be harmful and even counterproductive. It can lead to a culture of suppressing emotions, denying reality, and ignoring serious issues. One aspect of toxic positivity is gaslighting. In this article, we will explore what gaslighting is, provide examples of toxic workplace positivity, and offer ways to combat it.
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which the abuser manipulates the victim's perception of reality. It is a technique that is often used in abusive relationships, but it can also occur in the workplace. When used in a professional context, gaslighting is a form of toxic positivity that can be detrimental to both individuals and organizations.
Toxic positivity in the workplace is the belief that employees should always maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. While positivity can be beneficial, toxic positivity can lead to a culture of denying emotions and suppressing reality. When toxic positivity is combined with gaslighting, it can have a devastating effect on employees' mental health and well-being.
Here are two examples of toxic workplace positivity that can be harmful to employees:
When employees are expected to maintain a positive attitude at all times, they may feel pressure to suppress negative emotions. This can lead to a culture of denial, where employees are discouraged from expressing their feelings. For example, if an employee is struggling with a heavy workload, they may be told to "just stay positive" or "look on the bright side." This type of response can be dismissive and invalidating, causing employees to feel unsupported and undervalued.
Toxic positivity can also lead to a culture of denial, where employees are discouraged from acknowledging problems or issues. For example, if an employee raises a concern about a project, they may be told to "just be positive" or "stop being negative." This response can dismiss the employee's concerns and undermine their credibility. It can also create a culture of complacency, where problems are ignored rather than addressed.
Gaslighting in the workplace is a form of toxic positivity that can be difficult to detect. It involves manipulating an employee's perception of reality, often in an effort to maintain a positive outlook. Here are some examples of gaslighting in the workplace:
Gaslighting can involve invalidating an employee's emotions or experiences. For example, if an employee expresses frustration with a colleague, they may be told that they are "overreacting" or "being too sensitive." This type of response can make the employee doubt their own perceptions and feelings, leading them to feel confused and invalidated.
Gaslighting can also involve denying reality or downplaying the seriousness of a situation. For example, if an employee raises concerns about a project, they may be told that everything is fine and that there is no cause for alarm. This type of response can make the employee doubt their own perceptions and lead them to believe that they are overreacting.
Now that we have identified some examples of toxic workplace positivity and gaslighting, let's explore ways to combat them.
Psychological safety is the belief that it is safe to take interpersonal risks without fear of negative consequences. Leaders should create a culture of psychological safety by encouraging open communication, active listening, and empathetic responses. This can help employees feel safe to express their emotions and concerns without fear of judgement or invalidation.
Encouraging healthy emotional expression can help combat toxic positivity in the workplace. Leaders should encourage employees to express their emotions in a healthy and constructive way, rather than suppressing them. This can help employees feel heard and supported, which can lead to a more positive and productive work environment.
Ignoring concerns and problems can lead to a culture of denial and complacency. Leaders should address concerns and problems directly, rather than dismissing or downplaying them. This can help create a culture of transparency and accountability, where problems are addressed and solutions are found.
Gaslighting and toxic positivity can be harmful to employees' mental health. Leaders should provide mental health support to employees, such as access to counselling and resources for managing stress and anxiety. This can help employees cope with the effects of gaslighting and toxic positivity, and promote overall well-being.
Toxic positivity and gaslighting are harmful phenomena that can occur in the workplace. They can lead to a culture of denial, suppression, and invalidation, which can be detrimental to employees' mental health and well-being. By creating a culture of psychological safety, encouraging healthy emotional expression, addressing concerns and problems directly, and providing mental health support, leaders can combat toxic positivity and gaslighting in the workplace. Remember, a positive attitude is important, but not at the cost of denying reality and suppressing emotions.
