Surviving a Hostile Work Environment
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Slacking, gossiping, backbiting, and cursing. Does this sound like your workplace? Maybe things are more subtle at your office. Those in charge are godless, unethical, and hungry for power. As Christ followers, we live and work in a fallen world. Most of us spend more waking hours at work than we do at home. But what if work is hostile? How do you respond? Think of math. Let’s talk about what you can add to, subtract from, multiply and divide at work.
Add. There is something good at every workplace. Maybe your office has a fun Christmas party every year. Perhaps the office is consistent about recognizing birthdays and anniversaries. You can improve your office environment by adding to what is good. Volunteer to serve on a committee. Help to clean up after a birthday party. While it may be tempting to isolate yourself, not much will change if you hide your light.
Subtract. When coworkers are gossiping, cursing, or telling dirty jokes, walk away. If it’s a meeting, speak to your manager immediately afterwards and let her know that the language offended you. When you feel like participating in a heated email discussion, pause, breathe and consider the outcome you want. Most responses can wait for several minutes until you are able to calm yourself. Ephesians 4:29 warns us not to allow “unwholesome” talk to come from our mouths. Be different. If everyone stands around slacking on Friday afternoons, do your work. Honor your Maker.
Multiply. Think of the good examples you set, and multiply your efforts. Do you normally get to work five minutes early? Multiply that, and come 10 minutes early. Do you have one person that you offer to help when your work is done? Find a second person to help. Maybe there’s an office outcast that you go out of your way to speak to. Find the second one and be kind to her too.
Divide. Whether there are five people or 50 at your workplace, divide the employee list over a 90 day period, and pray for everyone on that list. If you’re in a small office, your coworkers will get large doses of prayer! How do you pray for these wicked people? Start by praying for their families. If you have a coworker who is constantly wreaking havoc at work, more than likely, her home life is stressed and unhappy. Pray for her children, pray for her husband. In Luke 6:28, we’re directed to pray for those who mistreat us.
As you go through these exercises, force yourself to focus on what is good at work. Is it your salary, the health insurance, or paid holidays? As you walk in each morning, think about the things and the people that you like. Philippians 4:8 advises us to think about what is true, right and lovely.
Avoid taking work home. I mean actual work as well as thinking about work. Yes, you should vent with a trusted adviser. However, avoid talking about and thinking about work at home. Home should be a safe space where you give and receive love and support.
Many employers offer an employee assistance program that allows employees to have six free sessions with a mental health provider. Taking advantage of this service does not mean that you’re crazy or weak. It’s an opportunity to have dedicated time to speak with a professional about the challenges in your work environment. The mental health provider should be able to offer some coping strategies.
Next week, I’ll tell you how to go beyond surviving at work. I’ll show you how to thrive, even in a hostile work environment.
