Gaslighting at work is a form of psychological manipulation that can have severe consequences on an individual’s mental health and overall job performance.
It is a subtle yet destructive form of workplace bullying that can often go unnoticed due to its covert nature.
Understanding gaslighting at work is crucial as it can help individuals identify and address this harmful behavior, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.
Definition of Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic in which a person, to gain power and control, makes a victim question their reality, memory, or perceptions.
The term originates from the 1944 film Gaslight, in which a husband manipulates his wife into believing she’s losing her sanity.
Why Understanding Gaslighting at Work Matters
Understanding gaslighting and the need for psychological safety at work is essential for several reasons.
Firstly, it helps recognize the signs of this manipulative behavior, which can often be subtle and complex.
Secondly, it empowers victims to take action and seek help.
Lastly, it promotes a healthier work environment by discouraging toxic behaviors and encouraging employee respect and fairness.
5 Signs of Gaslighting at Work
- Constant Doubt: If you constantly doubt your abilities, memory, or decisions due to a colleague’s or superior’s comments, it might be a sign of gaslighting.
- Feeling Confused and Crazy: Gaslighters often make their victims feel like they are losing their minds. If you frequently feel confused or crazy at work, it could be a sign of gaslighting.
- Being Isolated from Others: Gaslighters often isolate their victims to gain control. It might be a sign of gaslighting if you’re being cut off from other colleagues or teams.
- Frequent Apologies: If you constantly apologize, even when it’s not your fault, it could be a sign that you’re being gaslighted.
- Feeling Uneasy and On Edge: Constantly feeling uneasy or on edge at work, especially around a particular person, could be a sign of gaslighting.
7 Ways to Deal with Gaslighting at Work
- Recognize the Signs: The first step in dealing with gaslighting is recognizing the signs. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, you might be a victim of gaslighting.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts, and don’t let the gaslighter make you doubt your perceptions.
- Document Everything: Keep a record of all interactions with the gaslighter. This can serve as evidence if you decide to report the behavior.
- Seek Support: Contact trusted colleagues, friends, or family members. Sharing your experiences can provide emotional support and validation.
- Set Boundaries: Make it clear to the gaslighter that their behavior is unacceptable. This can be not easy, but it’s an essential step in dealing with gaslighting.
- Consult a Professional: If the gaslighting continues, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to cope with the psychological effects of gaslighting.
- Report the Behavior: If your workplace has a Human Resources department, report the behavior. Please provide them with your collected evidence and ask for their assistance resolving the situation.
Conclusion
Gaslighting at work is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on an individual’s mental health and job performance.
Recognizing the signs of gaslighting and knowing how to deal with it can help victims regain control of their reality and promote a healthier work environment.
Remember, everyone deserves respect and fairness at work.
Don’t let gaslighting undermine your self-worth and professional growth.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
