Gaslighting in the Workplace: What It Looks Like and How to Deal with It
Gaslighting in the workplace is a form of psychological manipulation where a person tries to make colleagues doubt their own perceptions and reality. This can undermine self-confidence, job performance, and overall mental health. Here's how to identify and address gaslighting at work.
What Gaslighting Looks Like in the Workplace
1. Denying or Changing Facts
Example: A colleague denies making a statement or decision that you clearly remember, making you question your memory.
2. Undermining Efforts
Example: Your achievements are downplayed or attributed to someone else, making you feel undervalued.
3. Withholding Information
Example: Important information is deliberately withheld from you, making it difficult for you to perform your job effectively.
4. Blaming and Shifting Responsibility
Example: You are blamed for mistakes or failures that are not your fault, causing undue stress and confusion.
5. Trivializing Concerns
Example: When you raise issues or concerns, they are dismissed as unimportant or overly sensitive.
How to Deal with Gaslighting in the Workplace
1. Document Everything
Strategy: Keep detailed records of conversations, decisions, and any incidents of gaslighting. This documentation can be crucial in validating your experiences.
2. Seek Support
Strategy: Talk to trusted colleagues, mentors, or HR professionals. They can provide validation, support, and advice on how to handle the situation.
3. Set Boundaries
Strategy: Clearly communicate your boundaries and stand firm on them. Let the gaslighter know that their behavior is unacceptable.
4. Stay Confident
Strategy: Trust your own perceptions and judgments. Remind yourself of your abilities and achievements to counteract the gaslighter's attempts to undermine your confidence.
5. Escalate If Necessary
Strategy: If the gaslighting persists, consider escalating the issue to higher management or seeking legal advice. It's important to protect your mental health and professional integrity.
Conclusion
Gaslighting in the workplace can be detrimental to your mental health and job performance. Recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to address it can help you maintain your confidence and well-being.
At Moriel Mental Health (MMH), we specialize in helping individuals cope with the effects of gaslighting and other forms of psychological manipulation. Our experienced therapists provide compassionate and effective treatment. Please contact us to book an appointment. We work all throughout California and are here to support you.
Sources:
Psychology Today
National Domestic Violence Hotline
GoodTherapy
Verywell Mind
PsychCentral
