Gaslighting at The Workplace: How to Deal With It?

In many cases, the workplace can trigger intense and persistent feelings of anxiety or depression. This can make it difficult to cope with the demands of the workplace, and it can even lead to job loss or other negative consequences.

Here’s a blog that shows you how you can eliminate stress at your workplace.

What is gaslighting at work?

Gaslighting at work meaning: This is a form of manipulation that occurs in relationships. It is a pattern of behavior in which one person manipulates another, typically by denying the other person's reality, making them feel confused and threatened.

This manipulation can take many different forms, but typically it starts with one person denying something that the other person knows is true. This can be done in a variety of ways, from saying something outright to making the other person doubt their own memory or sanity.

Gaslighting can be a very dangerous form of manipulation, because it can make the victim doubt their own sanity. This can lead them to withdraw from their relationships, and it can be very difficult to recover from this.

Ten signs of gaslighting in the workplace

There are certain behaviors that indicate whether someone is gaslighting you. If you feel any of the following gaslighting at work examples are affecting you at your workplace, it may be a sign that you're being targeted.

1. Your boss or coworker starts to question your sanity. They may say things like, "You're definitely overthinking this," "You're making too much of this," or "You're being crazy again."
2. Some may refuse to believe that you could be right about something. They'll insist that you're wrong even when you have evidence to the contrary.
3. Often, these pessimists make you feel like you're the only one who's confused or that you're the only one who's feeling strange.
4. They make you feel like you're the only one who's feeling upset or paranoid.
5. Sometimes, you’ll wonder whether you're feeling paranoid or crazy because they said so.
6. They’ll probably laugh if you say you’re feeling like you're being controlled or that you're the only one who's feeling like you're being threatened.
7. They tell you that you're the only one who is feeling victimized or not in control of your own life.
8. You sometimes wonder whether you're the only one at your workplace who's feeling like you're not being believed.
9. Often, you’re not heard, but they’ll try to convince you that you’re the only one who's got this feeling.
10. Your boss or coworkers couldn’t care less that you feel you're not being understood.

Dangers of gaslighting at work

There's no one more vulnerable than someone who is being gaslighted. It's an insidious, psychological manipulation tactic that is used to control and manipulate someone.

Gaslighting can be incredibly destructive, and the victim can end up feeling like they're under constant attack. They may start to withdraw from friends and family, and may even feel like they can't trust their own thoughts or memories.

Ten strategies on how to deal with gaslighting

Learn how to respond to gaslighting at work, meaning how to take action that allows you to get out of a gaslighting situation. Follow the example of a time tracker at work. Your company uses it to track employee worker times. You can compile a manual log of gaslighting events at work instead, so you’re aware of the signs.

1. Understand that you're not crazy: When you're in a relationship with someone who gaslights you, it can be difficult to maintain your sense of reality. You might start to doubt yourself and wonder whether you're actually going crazy. It's important to remember that gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse, and you are not actually crazy. When this happens, reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support.
2. Resist the urge to keep quiet: Stand up to gaslighting, and resist the urge to keep quiet. This can be difficult, but you need to take action to protect yourself. Assert yourself and let them know that you won't tolerate being treated this way. Be vocal and start a conversation about gaslighting with someone who understands you.
3. Don't let gaslighting control your thoughts: You’ll find it difficult to resist the gaslighting, but you don't have to let gaslighting control your thoughts. Believe that you are in control of your thoughts, and that you can resist the gaslighting by using your brain. Gaslighting may try to make you doubt yourself, but you can stay strong by trusting your own instincts and trusting your own version of events.
4. Talk to someone about what's happening: It's vital that you talk to someone about what's happening. It can be difficult to talk about gaslighting, but you must get help. First, identify specific examples of when you feel you've been gaslighted. This can help you communicate what's happening more clearly. Then talk to someone you trust when you’re calm and can really focus on the conversation.
5. Document the gaslighting: This can be helpful, especially when you write down what's happening. Keep a journal or diary of the incidents, including dates, times, and what was said or done. This can help you to see patterns and to realize that you're not going crazy. It can also be used as evidence if you decide to take action against the gaslighter.
6. Keep a record of the gaslighting: Records can prod you to take the necessary action to protect yourself. Record what's been happening. Take screenshots or recording videos of the gaslighting.
7. Report the gaslighting: You can report this in a number of ways. Go to the police, or take an appointment with a therapist. This will protect you, and it can also help get justice for you.
8. Educate yourself about gaslighting: This can be done by reading articles or watching videos about gaslighting. Learn as much as you can about the signs and effects of gaslighting. This will help you to better identify what is happening. There are also many support groups and resources available to help victims of gaslighting.
9. Stay safe: Use safety precautions when you're around someone who's gaslighting you. This can include using a safe word or avoiding the person altogether. If you can, remove yourself from the situation. A therapist can help you deal with the effects of gaslighting and help you create a plan to stay safe.
10. Remember that you're not alone: This can be difficult, especially when you don’t see anyone around you. However, there are people out there who probably know exactly what you’re going through. You can also seek professional help to deal with the emotional abuse you're experiencing. Allow them to reach out to you. They can help you.

If you learn to deal with negativity at work, you may find yourself in a better position to know how to deal with gaslighting as work.