Navigating workspaces in corporate America is a task that is often learned, but not taught. From expected pleasantries to hidden resources for employees, an unhealthy work environment can feel like every man for themself.
About six months ago, I quit my first “big girl” job. This decision was taxing to make, because of all the elements of my life that would be affected. I’d no longer have health insurance, and would need to jump back into my job search with full force. But by the end, none of that mattered because my mental and physical health were so depleted, that my exit was inevitable.
Throughout the months leading up to my resignation, I voiced my frustrations and concerns to leadership, colleagues, and Human Resources — to no avail. Nothing changed and I didn’t get the support needed to stay with that company. Even though I ended up leaving, I learned a lot about available resources and steps others should take to protect themself as they build their career. Here are a few ways to advocate for yourself when in search of a non-toxic work environment, or when planning to report an incident to HR.
Go to Human Resources When…
Experiencing any form of Discrimination or Harassment
Eight months before my departure, my supervisor at the time slipped up and referred to Black people as “colored” in a meeting. At the time, I had no experience reporting to HR and didn’t know if I should go to them since she didn’t say it to me directly – despite my being the only person of color on the call. However, I now know in hindsight, regardless of the semantics, you must report any instance of inappropriate behavior toward you based on your protected class (e.g. race, sex, sexual orientation, etc.).
This also applies to harassment. When onboarding, companies stress the importance of reporting sexual harassment, but don’t highlight the variety of ways that bullying and harassment can show up in the workplace. If you are constantly being reprimanded in front of colleagues or treated differently from other team members, you should flag this to HR immediately.
Federal & State Workers Rights have been Infringed Upon
My supervisor repeatedly told me that “taking a lunch break was a choice and not guaranteed” because I was salaried. Though presented as a non-negotiable aspect of my job, this informal rule of theirs went against meal break laws. As these laws vary by state, it’s crucial to know your workers rights on a local and federal level. Having these in your back pocket will help you advocate for yourself when reporting unprofessional and inappropriate behavior.
Your Working Conditions have Worsened
My days consisted of fast-paced work on an overwhelmingly understaffed team with no breaks. They expected me to put my head down and happily work 10+ hour days on a consistent basis for months. I was drowning. I eventually went to HR about the overbearing workload and how leadership ignored our concerns for months, and told us to push through. Getting HR involved when the structure of a team is failing can help make or break a situation for everyone involved.
Resources & Tips to Advocate for Yourself
Always Keep a Paper Trail
For months prior to quitting, I documented every instance of harassment, violation of worker’s rights, and unprofessional behavior privately via email. A paper trail with timestamps is not only proof for HR, but can be a helpful resource in the future if needed.
I recommend having an ongoing thread between your work and personal email. This will ensure that you always have a copy while keeping everything organized. In the thread, you should include any relevant details and proof. Proof can range from screenshots of slack messages to Google Meet invites.
If you need to document a verbal incident, you should follow up with the person via email, if you feel comfortable, providing a summary of what was said. Following this, you can forward the message to yourself to have it for your records. These steps might seem tedious, but they make a difference in the long run.
Utilize Employee Assistance Programs
Most companies have Employee Assistance programs (EAP) through their partnered healthcare provider. These programs provide employees with resources to help navigate work-related issues and stresses. Services can range from confidential assessments and short-term therapy, to potentially helping you receive paid medical leave to recoup from work stress.
Don’t Brave it Alone: Find an Advocate
Going to HR by yourself can feel very overwhelming. I was lucky to have colleagues I could lean on for guidance throughout the reporting process. If you want extra support, you can consider a trusted superior at work or an advocate from the human resources team. Other potential advocates could be a leader of an Employee Resource Group, a DEI representative at your company or even a colleague who is aware of the incident(s) you are reporting. Having an advocate represent you isn’t always guaranteed, but requesting it creates an extra layer of support.
It’s Time To Consider Quitting When…
Your Concerns are not Being Addressed
If you have exhausted all of your resources and nothing has changed, there will come a moment where you have to decide if you can stay at a company that is complicit in your suffering. It is not an employee’s job to subject themselves to a toxic environment for the sake of a paycheck. At the end of the day, you are there to do a job, and if the conditions there make it hard for you to do the job you were hired for, it may be time to go.
Your Job is Aversely Affecting your Wellbeing
My mental and physical health was at an all-time low because of this job. I was not eating enough, and by proxy I didn’t have the energy to exercise, let alone spend time with the people I love. My work stress affected every element of my life – resulting in an isolation I would not wish on anyone. I didn’t realize how bad it was until the people in my life were concerned. The moment it really clicked was when someone told me, “No job is worth your mental health. You could die tomorrow, and they will find someone to replace you.”
