NEWS
BRIEFING Keep up to date with the latest news surrounding the role of the EA
Is your workplace toxic ? Tips on how to identify the signs
A toxic workplace isn ’ t fun for anybody . It affects the business , learning and development , and the wellbeing of employees . With the world in a constant flux , the pressure of change and uncertainty already creates a tense work atmosphere . Add some toxicity on top of that and your office could be in trouble .
Workplace conflict resolution expert & MD of Segal Conflict Solutions Saranne Segal said that the pandemic hasn ’ t helped to alleviate a toxic workplace . “ People often think COVID would have lessened bullying because of the shift to remote working but it ’ s really the opposite ,” she said . “ Cyber bullying is not a new thing , but now even more people are able to hide behind a screen .” Segal recently spoke with the Human Resources Director team and offered three warning signs that your workplace might be becoming toxic .
The biggest red flag is a decrease in employee wellbeing . If staff are becoming increasingly burnt out , fatigued , and begin to have issues with mental and physical illness , then it ’ s likely a toxic environment . Working should be enjoyable and relationships in the office should prove that . If staff are coming to work with low energy and spirit , there ’ s no camaraderie or relationship between co-workers , and there ’ s an increase in employee absenteeism , then this is a big red flag .
The next red flag is if your company receives a high influx of bullying complaints . This one ’ s pretty selfexplanatory : bullying is grounds for a toxic workplace . The last thing an employee needs is to be bullied and made to feel uncomfortable in their place of work , and it ’ s bound to have lasting effects on the mental wellbeing of those affected .
Lastly , keep an eye out for a lack of communication . If you feel like you ’ re being kept in the dark or are receiving next to no feedback , this is a sign of toxicity . EAs usually love to seek feedback and asking for it often inspires a collaborative workplace . If this isn ’ t happening in your office , then maybe it ’ s time to assess what changes need to be made . S
Struggling to get along with your mentor ? Four tips to make it work
While having a mentor is an extremely valuable opportunity , the relationship doesn ’ t always flow like you need it to for it to be an effective learning experience . Having a chat every once and a while won ’ t cut it if you ’ re serious about gaining knowledge and skills from your mentor . If you ’ re looking to work with a mentor , make sure you have structure to the relationship . Here are some ways you can implement that structure :
Regular meetings are a must EAs are some of the busiest people on earth so it ’ s important that you schedule and adhere to regular meetings through the mentorship experience . Regular meetings also helps your mentor keep you accountable by checking on your goals and the progress you ’ ve made . It ’ s a great way to build the foundations and establish a level of expectation from the relationship . But make sure these meetings are planned in advance . Making a solid commitment means you ’ re less likely to cancel if the job gets busy or stressful .
Listen actively Listening is key for any strong relationship , but particularly with your mentor . Active listening means absorbing the information and using it proactively in your day-to-day routine . Half-listening won ’ t get you the desired results and will only waste your mentor ’ s time . Once you commit to a mentor , you have to commit to actively listening to them as well .
Find an external mentor While finding an internal mentor can be beneficial , it ’ s usually more effective to find a mentor outside your company . This just means the mentor will be able to look at your progress and problems more objectively and offer a different perspective you haven ’ t considered . This way you can be confident that your mentor ’ s advice is purely meant to benefit you and your situation , not offered with an ulterior motive .
Be vulnerable You won ’ t get the most out of a mentorship if you ’ re not willing to be vulnerable with your mentor . If you ’ re stressed , rundown , or struggling with the job , be honest about it . A mentor is there to guide you and teach you how to manage not only the job , but your wellbeing as well . They ’ ve been in your position , and maybe still are , so they know how you ’ re feeling and won ’ t judge you for being honest . S
10 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2021