Anonymous: Navigating Toxic Work Environments
The anonymous author of this blog post works in a large academic library in the Pacific Northwest. Her interests include de-centering whiteness in libraries and the intersections of social justice and data.
At some point in your career, you might find yourself in a toxic work environment. Libraries are no exception, despite their values and good intentions.
Navigating toxic work environments is difficult work, particularly if you are a library worker of color; it can be challenging to receive adequate support and access to quality resources.
Survival tactics and tips for individuals working in such environments may include coping strategies for wellness and success. Also, advice on how to uncover red flags during job interviews that might indicate toxicity empower library workers, especially those of color, to push back against toxic structures in manageable ways.
Surviving in toxic work environments is difficult, especially if you are employed in a vulnerable position within an institution. It is imperative that self-care is a top priority. Regardless of other responsibilities, ensure that time is made for at least one project or activity that is meaningful and engaging. Unhealthy environments can sap your feeling of purpose and enjoyment from everyday work, so having a baseline activity that renews a positive sense of wellbeing in you can help.
Push back against toxic structures by creating projects that focus on equity and inclusion while engaging with all types of users to diversify perspectives on library initiatives, and refuse, whenever possible, to take on work that goes against one’s personal values. These seemingly small steps can greatly improve mindset and wellbeing while at work.
Photo by Pixabay
Defining strict boundaries between work and home -- including turning off email notifications on personal devices, not working beyond designated hours, and finding hobbies that are completely isolated from work requirements is another effective way for you to cope with workplace toxicity.
It can be tempting to check email in the evenings or on weekends, but maintaining and sharing those boundaries with colleagues is crucial to creating space for yourself to recuperate outside of work. This advice applies even to healthy work environments, where limiting work communication outside of working hours can build space for self-care.
Instead of checking work email, consider talking to a friend who is also a person of color, engaging in a hobby, taking time to lay down, or perhaps even seeking professional care from a therapist or support group if it would feel beneficial.
Ultimately, however, the only way to survive a toxic work environment is to leave it. Be sure to stay alert for other opportunities and apply for positions as your energy allows. Unfortunately, there might be a lingering sense of fear or anxiety when considering other workplaces. What if it’s another toxic environment? What if the position isn’t right? How much will being a person of color in that environment have an impact on my wellbeing? Though this is not a comprehensive list, there are some red flags to watch out for that might suggest a less than ideal work environment:
Are there other people of color on the search committee? Do they appear to be content and comfortable being open with their colleagues?
How do the stated values of the library align with their recent work and projects?
Are all those who are present at the interviews invited to share and ask questions?
Is there high turnover? This is especially important to consider when analyzing the turnover rate of library workers of color.
When asked what they enjoy about their workplace, is there a notable silence or awkward glances?
Is the promotion structure outlined in detail?
How many library workers of color are in management positions?
What benefits are provided for work-life balance? Is working from home occasionally acceptable? Are employees encouraged to take care of themselves?
Can you reach out to a former employee to learn about their experience?
These questions can help identify toxic environments, though they are certainly not the only indicators. Trust your instincts about a work environment and consider warning signs.
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
Libraries center white culture and give power to white library workers. White allies can help push the necessary work to decenter whiteness and dismantle toxic structures that disproportionately impact library workers of color. Allies, especially those in managerial positions, can draw attention to and promote the ideas of library workers of color during meetings (though making sure to ask those colleagues for permission ahead of time), prioritize projects that promote equity and inclusion, and commit to the recruitment and retention of library workers of color. Exercising that power can potentially benefit library workers in more vulnerable positions.
I wish that no one would ever have to endure a toxic work environment -- but given the reality that they still exist, I hope that the tips above can help you recognize and cope with toxicity in the workplace. While you may not feel empowered to fix your work environment -- and are certainly under no obligation to do so -- it is important to be sure to care for yourself outside of work and to set boundaries that feel authentic and safe in order to recover from the weight that a toxic work environment can place on you. As April Hathcock writes, “So, I revel in my self-care. And I encourage you all to do the same. Sharpen those weapons and fill your enemies hearts with fear.”