Because toxic work environments can become detrimental to health and wellness, taking action against the underlying problem is imperative, explains Cedar Carlton and Jeffrey Pfeffer. Two approaches are bringing up the issues to upper management alongside your co-workers or filing a health and safety complaint with local or federal OSHA offices.
Develop a great relationship with your boss, but avoid losing your own identity and leadership value by becoming a "mini-me" or simply riding your boss's coattails. Recognize patterns of always trying to blatantly please management and make strides toward being your own person to maintain credibility and respect as a valued employee, suggests Karin Hurt.
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Connect with other employees within your organization who appear to be on the fast track, as well as with HR professionals who are able to give you the scoop on new internal job postings, Jack Kelly recommends. Expand your reach to industry conferences and events to continue building out your network, making sure to nurture current connections.
More companies are conducting sensitivity training to expunge unconscious bias, Sacred Heart University professor Janice Gassam writes. Gassam outlines four tips for making sure training is effective, including emphasizing awareness of the issue and creating a program that is ongoing and long term.
Answer the job interview question "Who's your role model?" by focusing on a hero within your industry, an innovative professional or a former boss that has paved the way for your success, writes Suzy Welch. Although it's endearing to mention your parents as your role models, it's strategically better to stick with someone influential within your field, Welch adds.
The career you fantasize about -- the one that seems like an escape from reality -- is a healthy way to determine your future job by shaping your interests and goals toward a happy and healthier position, explains Dana Bilsky Asher. Put fantasies to work for good in terms of helping you learn about yourself and grow your career.
Stopping for a moment as little as once a day to practice mindfulness is beneficial, says Sean Fargo, former Buddhist monk and mindfulness instructor at Google. Relax and stop all judgment for a while and just recognize how you feel in the moment, he explains.
"Despite news reports to the contrary, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not warned people against dressing chickens in Halloween costumes," the CDC said in a press release. After clarifying its position on costumes, the CDC outlined guidelines for staying sanitary if individuals do decide to dress up their pet birds.