Feeling Drained? Let’s Talk About Toxic Workplaces

Have you ever left work feeling absolutely wiped out, not because of the tasks but because of the people?

If that resonates, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about something that could be quietly draining your energy, toxic workplace behaviour.

Simon Sinek, in his eye-opening video about toxic people at work, explains how trust outweighs performance when building great teams. The Navy SEALs, for instance, won’t pick someone who’s a high performer but low on trust.

Why? Because toxic individuals create toxic environments.

And yes, this affects us more than we think.

How Toxicity Impacts You (and Your Energy Levels)

Working mums already juggle so much. Add a toxic colleague or boss to the mix, and it can feel like carrying an emotional boulder. Research shows toxic behaviour can ripple through a workplace, creating stress, exhaustion, and even burnout.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why am I so snappy or on edge lately?”, it might be because toxicity is rubbing off on you. But the good news? Positivity is contagious too. Surround yourself with it, and your mood will shift in the right direction.

How to Protect Your Energy

Here are some practical steps to safeguard your time, peace, and sanity:

1. Set Boundaries Decide what’s acceptable for your mental well-being. Maybe it’s switching off emails after a certain time or saying no to unnecessary meetings. Boundaries aren’t selfish – they’re survival tools.

   
   

2. Seek Support Don’t hesitate to talk to someone, whether it’s HR, a trusted colleague, or even a coach. Many companies offer free counselling through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), or you can look into local services like Beyond Blue or MindSpot.

   
   

3. Lean into Self-Care It’s easy to forget the basics when life is hectic. Prioritise sleep, nourish your body, and carve out time for things that restore you – like a quiet coffee, a walk in the park, or a quick yoga session.

   
   

4. Build Resilience Learn techniques like mindfulness, journaling, or deep breathing to manage stress and stay centred. These little habits can go a long way in helping you handle difficult situations.

   
   

5. Be the Change Lead with kindness and positivity. Small actions, a smile, a kind word, or offering support can help create a healthier atmosphere. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Toxicity might seem like a workplace issue, but its effects spill into every area of your life – especially when you’re already doing the superhero act of working and mum-ing. Protect your energy, mama. You deserve a space at work and at home that lifts you up, not wears you down.

Have you ever dealt with toxic people at work? What helped you? Drop your story below. Let’s learn from each other.

Remember, the energy you keep is the energy you share.

Join the free Burnout Recovery Mini Course for women who want to restore their energy and avoid burnout without sacrificing their ambition. Sign up here