Do you experience gaslighting in your workplace?
You’re not alone.
This destructive form of manipulation is more common than you may think.
It can be an incredibly frustrating experience, and it’s something that needs to be addressed.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what gaslighting is, how to identify if you’re being gaslighted, and how to respond to gaslighting at work.
We hope this information will help you navigate these difficult situations effectively.
What is gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or group, with the intent to gain power and control over another individual, uses lies and false information to intentionally confuse and undermine that person’s perceptions of reality.
This can be particularly damaging in the workplace, where gaslighters may use this manipulative tactic to undermine their subordinates or colleagues and gain positional power over them.
At its worst, gaslighting can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in the victim, as their reality is constantly called into question by a cunning gaslighter.
If you’re experiencing gaslighting at work, you may feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells, second-guessing yourself, and doubting your abilities. Your self-confidence may be shaken, and you may start to feel like nothing you do is good enough.
Examples of gaslighting at work
In the workplace, gaslighting can take many different forms. Here are some examples:
1. Your boss tells you that you’re not meeting expectations, when in reality, your performance is on par with the rest of your team.
2. Your colleagues spread rumors about you and question your choices, even though you’re confident in your performance and the decisions you’ve made.
3. You’re assigned more work or additional responsibilities despite having already reached capacity in your workload.
4. You notice that your boss or colleague is undermining your work or stalling on important decisions, but they deny any involvement when you bring it up.
5. You’re passed over for a promotion or pay raise, despite having strong performance reviews and recommendations, or despite being the most qualified candidate for the position.
6. You’re given vague or negative feedback that’s difficult to act on, or no feedback at all, even though you’ve asked for it multiple times.
7. Colleagues or managers frequently interrupt you during meetings or phone calls or dismiss your ideas without giving them proper consideration.
8. You feel like you’re constantly being watched or monitored by your boss or colleagues, and you’re always on edge, afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.
If any of these situations sound familiar, you may be experiencing gaslighting at work. But there are steps you can take to address this toxic behavior and protect yourself from further harm.
How to respond to gas lighting at workplace?
There are a number of steps you can take if you think your boss or colleagues are gaslighting you at work. These include:
1. Know that it really is gaslighting
As we’ve already discussed, it might be difficult to discern if you’re actually being gaslighted. Sometimes all you have to cope with is an unkind or arrogant coworker or manager. First you need to identify the gaslighting behaviour.
Knowing that behaviour will make to able to respond to gas lighting at workplace.
Be nice to yourself and keep in mind that a gaslighter’s objective is to make you to doubt your abilities. Never be afraid to seek the opinions of your friends, family, and coworkers.
2. Keep record of all evidences
Keep a record of all instances of gaslighting, including the occasion, the time, and any witnesses who were present. This can assist you in assembling a convincing argument that you can use to confront the gas lighter or report their actions to HR.
Try to avoid giving your gas lighter any room to confront you. For instance, send them a report by email rather than putting it on their desk so that you have a chain of evidence.
It’s challenging enough having to deal with the potential consequences of this person’s actions. Remind yourself that the issue is with the gaslighting, not your skill or value.
3. Take care of your wellbeing
Practice self-care and take breaks when needed. Gaslighting can be emotionally draining, so it’s important to take care of you both physically and mentally.
This may include engaging in activities that help you de-stress and relax, such as exercise, journaling, or talking to a therapist or support group.
Take time to reflect on your work and career goals, and consider whether it might be time to seek out a new job or start looking for other opportunities.
4. Approach the gas lighter directly
Directly confront the gas lighter and talk to them about their actions and how they are affecting you. Although it might not make things better right away, this can help spread awareness of their behavior and open doors for change.
Be honest when describing particular events that have an impact on your work. But make an effort to refrain from accusing others or acting in a confrontational manner.
Be strong while pointing out any areas where the other individual seems to be struggling with consistency, productivity, or remembering details. Keep in mind that the problem is not with your performance.
5. Seek support from HR
Consider talking to your manager or HR about the situation, or reaching out to an employment law attorney for advice on how to best address gaslighting in the workplace.
Regardless of what approach you take, it’s important to stay firm in your convictions, stand up for yourself, and seek support from others as needed.
6. Take training programs
Look for opportunities to build your skills and confidence, whether through professional development courses, training programs, or simply by stepping up in your current role.
This can help buffer the negative impact of gaslighting, and can also be beneficial for your career in the long run.
7. Join on-line community
Join a workplace support group or online community that is focused on addressing gaslighting and other forms of bullying and harassment in the workplace.
This can help you gain valuable insight from others who have struggled with similar situations, as well as provide much-needed emotional support and validation.
8. Stand up against gaslighting at work
If you experience gaslighting, remember that it’s not your fault, and you are not alone. It can be difficult to stand up against gaslighting, especially if it’s coming from a superior at work.
However, it’s important to remember that you have a right to be treated with respect and dignity. If you feel like you’re being gaslit, speak up and assert yourself.
It can also be helpful to document instances of gaslighting. This can be a way to keep track of what’s happening and also provide evidence if you need to take further action.
If you’re feeling particularly vulnerable, you might also want to confide in a trusted friend or colleague. Having support from others can make it easier to stand up against gaslighting, and ultimately help you feel more empowered in your work environment.
Conclusion
Gaslighting might make you feel alone, but you don’t have to. Depending on your particular situation, therapists and counselors can provide advice and assist you in handling a crisis or potentially harmful scenario. With patience, persistence, and determination, you can confront gaslighting at work and protect yourself from further harm. Once you’ve dealt with the gas lighter, it would be a good idea to look for further measures to enhance your work environment and staff wellbeing.
