There are many reasons we enjoy our jobs. Work provides us with opportunities to meet people, it boosts our self-esteem, and it gives us a sense of purpose, positive identity, and self-worth. When we work in a favourable work environment, we feel valued, supported, and respected, all which contribute positively to our mental health. Like everything else, however, work carries disadvantages and can cause us work stress due to lack of engagement in our work, poor coworker relationships, and office politics. Office politics can be especially toxic to our mental health, therefore it is important to recognize and manage office politics to ensure our mental health does not suffer in the service of our work.
Recognizing Office Politics
Common ways that office politics manifest are:
1) Micromanaging colleagues
2) Credit stealing
3) Scapegoating
4) Manipulative flattery
5) Information hoarding
6) Undermining trust
Motives Behind Office Politics
1) Jealousy and insecurity
2) Ambition and self-preservation
3) Fear of change
4) Resource grabbing
5) Personal vendettas
Managing Office Politics
1) Stay calm: Maintain your composure when you encounter office politics, as reacting emotionally can exacerbate the situation.
2) Build visibility with your achievements: Ensure that you display the good work you have done.
3) Gather information: Document information about the situation and include dates, times, and individuals involved.
4) Self-reflect: Reflect on your own behaviour in the situation to ensure you are not inadvertently contributing to the political dynamics.
5) Seek clarity: Consider having a private conversation with a person involved in office politics if you are uncertain about their motives or actions. This allows you to gain clarity and address any misunderstandings.
6) Engage in open communication: Share your concerns with those involved through open, honest, and respectful communication to find a resolution to the issue at hand.
7) Involve HR or management: If tensions resulting from the office politics persist, involve your HR department or upper management. This will allow them to investigate the issue and take appropriate action if necessary.
8) Focus on your well-being: Prioritize your mental and emotional health by practicing self-care, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
9) Build allies: Build relationships with coworkers who share your values and work ethic. This connection can provide support and help counteract the negative effects of office politics.
10) Keep a long-term perspective: Office politics are often temporary and those who engage in harmful behaviours may not thrive in the long run. It is more important to focus on your own professional growth and goals.
Navigating office politics is challenging, however, it is a necessary part of professional life and present in every organization. Although we cannot avoid office politics, we are more equipped with the skills in recognizing and managing them than we may believe.
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