Having a bad manager can make your work life unbearable - but there are some ways you can deal with it professionally.
No one wants to have to work with a toxic manager, but if the inevitable does happen, careers expert Rob Phelps at Social Media Jobs has shared some ways you can handle it so you can have a smooth working relationship - and protect your peace.
One 2023 study of 2,000 UK working professionals found that a shocking 75% had experienced a toxic workplace, with women and healthcare workers the worst affected, as reported by James Dooley, the founder of FatRank. A toxic company culture can have detrimental effects on an individual's mental health, productivity, and overall well-being - so it's important to look out for the signs.
While it can ruin your self-esteem to have a bad manager, it can also affect the motivation of employees, and many people tend to leave jobs due to poor management. We consulted an expert to reveal the best way to nip things in the bud with a toxic boss.
Document instances straight away
Rob urges anyone in a toxic work situation to write things down as soon as they happen, as this will keep your records accurate. While doing this may initially feel OTT, Rob said HR will need evidence if you were to report it. He added: "Recording events at a later date may lead to your description of events being influenced by the feelings that you have accumulated as you replay the event in your mind throughout the day.
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"Ensure that in your diary entry, you record, 'the lead-up to the event, what was said in the encounter, the context, how it made you feel, and the aftermath. Keep your recording on a personal device as opposed to workplace equipment."
Talk to colleagues
Sharing your issues with your colleagues about a toxic boss can "serve as a lifeline" according to the expert. He says it's a good way to determine if you are the main target - or if it's more widespread. "Your colleagues can also provide a soundboard for you to vent any frustration however, you mustn't gossip, and you only voice your concerns to colleagues that you trust," Rob warns.
Don't take it personally
A toxic boss, or any colleague in general, can quickly chip away at your confidence and self-worth. But Rob urged people to not take the actions personally, despite how difficult that may seem. He said instead write down "all your wins (whether professional or personal), as they happen. Look back at them often and use them as a constant reminder that the beliefs that the toxic boss may be exhibiting are simply their opinion (or the opinion that they are portraying), are not factual or a reflection of what others think of you."
Keep it professional
You may not be able to control how your boss will speak to you, but you can control how you interact with them, Rob says. He advised employees to keep the interactions "strictly professional" and if possible, with witnesses.
"It can be tempting to try and establish the relationship and become friendly in the hope to see their softer side however, keeping it professional will not blur the lines of the evidence of toxic behaviour that you may be required to present later. "
Don't be afraid to escalate it
If you feel like you are being subject to toxic behaviour, you should always voice it, the expert urged. He says that you shouldn't be afraid to escalate feelings beyond your line manager.
"If you feel that you have fallen victim to toxic behaviour, your experiences can be voiced even after you have left the workplace. Services such as ACAS can also advise on next steps," he added.
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