by Sonya | Apr 4, 2023 | Emotional Wellness, Occupational Wellness
Have you ever experienced a hostile or unprofessional work setting?
That nasty, negative energy that makes you dread going to work every day?
Being part of a toxic work environment can be incredibly damaging to one’s mental and physical health.
Unfortunately, there are many instances where people end up being participants in the toxicity rather than its victims.
But how do you know if you’re part of the problem?
Toxic workplaces are often characterized by bullying, competition, drama, and an overall negative atmosphere which can create a sense of animosity between colleagues.
These environments can make you feel anxious, dread coming into work, or experience physical symptoms such as stress headaches or tension in the body.
If you’re experiencing these sorts of feelings as a result of your workplace, it’s worth asking yourself if maybe you are contributing to the problem.
Here are some signs that indicate you may be adding to the toxicity rather than trying to help fix it:
- You gossip about or talk negatively about other employees.
- You criticize and single out other employees for their mistakes without offering constructive feedback.
- You refuse to take responsibility for your mistakes or accept criticism from others.
- You use manipulation tactics such as guilt-tripping or silencing others when they disagree with your opinion or actions.
- You put down others who don’t meet your standards and make them feel small to bolster your sense of superiority over them.
- You take credit for other people’s successes without giving them recognition for their hard work and dedication.
- You blame external circumstances whenever something goes wrong instead of admitting fault and learning from it.
- You refuse to cooperate with others, even if it benefits the team or company as a whole.
- You are in a leadership role and constantly remind subordinates you are in charge – mostly when it’s not necessary to do so.
It’s important to remember that everyone has different triggers that can cause them to act in negative ways.
So take the time to reflect on yourself before pointing fingers at anyone else.
If you find yourself engaging in any of these behaviors then try thinking about why this might be happening and how best you can address it head-on so that everyone involved can benefit from a more positive working experience in the future.
It’s hard to admit that we might be active participants in the negativity, but if we are able to recognize our triggers and our behaviors, we have the opportunity to make a change for the better!
by Sonya | Jan 26, 2023 | Occupational Wellness
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
This means setting aside time for yourself and your family, and not letting your work consume your entire life.
First responders are especially prone to burnout, so it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.
Here are a few things you can do to create and maintain work/life boundaries.
What are Work/Life Boundaries?
Work/life boundaries are the lines we draw between our professional and personal lives.
They help us manage our time, energy, and emotions so we can be our best selves at work and at home.
We all need them, but setting and maintaining boundaries isn’t always easy—especially if you’re a first responder.
Why Are Work/Life Boundaries Important?
First responders are celebrated for their selflessness, dedication, and commitment to their careers.
But what happens when that dedication starts to have negative consequences on your health, relationships, and overall well-being/
That’s where setting boundaries comes in.
Boundaries help prevent burnout by ensuring that you have time for yourself outside of work.
They also protect your relationships by giving you set times when you’re not working so you can focus on your family and friends.
Lastly, boundaries help boost your productivity by ensuring that you’re well-rested and have the mental and emotional energy to do your best work.
How to Set Boundaries for Better Work/Life Balance
One way to achieve a healthy work-life balance is to set a regular work schedule – or as regular as possible.
Let your family know when you’re working and when you’re available, so they can respect your time and space.
You might also want to consider investing in a good planner, so you can keep track of your commitments and make time for leisure activities.
Our family uses an erasable white board calendar that we keep in our kitchen. We purposely placed it in the same spot where we hang our keys, so we can’t miss it!
Another important aspect of setting boundaries is effective communication.
This means being clear about what you expect from others, and openly expressing your needs and wants.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help.
Your boss will appreciate your honesty, and it will help prevent burnout.
You should also feel free to say no when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Just because you’re a first responder doesn’t mean you have to say yes to every call out or extra shift.
It’s okay to put your wellbeing first, and your coworkers will understand if you need to take a step back from time to time.
Setting healthy boundaries in the workplace is essential for first responders and their families.
By maintaining a healthy work-life balance and communicating effectively, you can prevent burnout and create a more positive work environment for everyone involved.
