How to cope in a hostile work environment.
Do you get stressed out at the thought of going to work every
morning? Does the thought of spending eight or more hours at
work each day get you all wound up and sweaty?
Do you constantly find yourself wishing that Monday morning were
Friday evening?
Do you feel emotionally and mentally stressed out just thinking
about your job?
If these feelings have nothing to do with your ineffectiveness
at work then you are probably in a hostile work environment.
What makes a work environment hostile varies largely, but it is
commonly attributed to having a bad boss (this could be an
understatement), co-workers who drive you up the wall, and an
ineffective Human Resource Department, among other things.
The following are a few survival tips to help you hang on to
your job and survive in that hostile environment until the tide
turns in your favor.
Work on yourself.
As annoying as the situation may be, learn to contain yourself.
Develop an internal coping mechanism like counting to ten before
you respond to an annoying remark or insensitive comments. Draw
strength from a higher power if you must, pray, meditate and do
whatever it takes to get yourself together, calm and composed.
Remind yourself why you are at the job.
Why are you working at that company? Are you there for the
money, experience or for personal fulfillment? Whatever the
reason, let the objective you want to achieve give you the
strength to survive each day.
Don