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How Does Gaslighting Affect Work? Understanding the Impact on Employees and Workplace Dynamics

  • Writer: Fernando Comlan
    Fernando Comlan
  • Jul 11, 2024
  • 6 min read

Updated: Dec 9, 2024

GASLIGHTING ~ DOES IT AFFECT WORK?

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Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which an individual or group seeks to make someone doubt their perceptions, memories, or reality. This harmful behavior can occur in various environments, including the workplace, where it can have serious effects on both individuals and organizational culture. As a form of emotional abuse, gaslighting can be particularly damaging in professional settings, as it undermines an employee’s confidence, productivity, and mental health.


Explore how gaslighting at work affects employees, the broader work environment, and what can be done to address this toxic behavior.


What is Gaslighting in the Workplace?


In a work context, gaslighting often involves a superior, coworker, or even a subordinate manipulating someone to the point where they question their own judgment, memories, or sanity. This manipulation can take many forms, from denying that something happened, to intentionally confusing the person, to making them feel incompetent or overly sensitive.

Some common examples of gaslighting in the workplace include:

  • Denying or rewriting history: A manager may deny giving instructions or provide contradictory feedback to confuse the employee.

  • Undermining decisions: A colleague might repeatedly tell you that your decisions were wrong, even when they were right, leading you to doubt your professional abilities.

  • Dismissive or belittling behavior: Someone may dismiss your concerns or feelings, calling you overly emotional or "paranoid" when you express a valid issue.

  • Blaming you for mistakes you didn't make: Gaslighters often shift responsibility onto others to avoid accountability.


How Gaslighting Affects Work Performance


Gaslighting can have a profound effect on an individual's work performance and overall well-being. Below are some of the key ways it can affect an employee:


1. Decreased Confidence and Self-Esteem

When an employee is repeatedly manipulated into questioning their own judgment and reality, it can lead to a sharp decline in self-esteem. They may begin to doubt their skills, knowledge, and abilities, resulting in impaired decision-making and lack of initiative.

  • Tip: To rebuild confidence, employees can seek external feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to validate their thoughts and decisions.


2. Increased Stress and Anxiety

The psychological toll of gaslighting is often linked to heightened stress and anxiety. Employees who feel constantly invalidated or undermined may develop a heightened state of alertness, always on edge about their actions and whether they are being manipulated. This ongoing stress can lead to burnout, decreased motivation, and emotional exhaustion.

  • Tip: Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation, can help employees manage anxiety. Taking regular breaks and setting boundaries at work are also essential to maintaining mental health.


3. Difficulty Focusing and Reduced Productivity

When you're constantly questioning your own thoughts and decisions, it can be incredibly difficult to focus on your tasks. Gaslighting erodes the trust you have in your own abilities, which can lead to distractions, confusion, and procrastination. As a result, productivity and quality of work often suffer.

  • Tip: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and keep track of your progress to help stay on task. Use task management tools to organize your work and stay focused.


4. Increased Likelihood of Emotional and Mental Health Issues

The long-term effects of gaslighting in the workplace can lead to significant emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Employees may begin to feel hopeless, powerless, and detached from their work, which can have lasting effects on their overall mental health.

  • Tip: Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can be an effective way to process emotions and heal from the trauma caused by gaslighting. Many workplaces offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that can provide access to mental health resources.


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Gaslighting and Workplace Culture


Beyond the individual effects, gaslighting can also have a broader impact on workplace culture and dynamics. If left unaddressed, it can create an environment of mistrust, low morale, and toxic relationships.

  • Poor Communication: In a workplace where gaslighting is prevalent, communication often becomes distorted. Employees may feel hesitant to share their ideas or opinions, fearing that their input will be dismissed or twisted.

  • Team Division: Gaslighting can cause divisions among team members, as employees may become suspicious of each other’s intentions. This can lead to a lack of cooperation, lower team cohesion, and reduced overall productivity.

  • Retention Issues: Employees who experience gaslighting are more likely to leave their jobs, leading to higher turnover rates and difficulty retaining talent. This can have a long-term negative effect on company culture and profitability.

  • Legal and Ethical Concerns: In some cases, gaslighting may cross into harassment or even illegal behavior. If the gaslighting involves discrimination, retaliation, or bullying, it can lead to legal repercussions for the company.


How to Address Gaslighting in the Workplace


If you believe you are experiencing gaslighting at work, it is essential to take steps to protect your mental health and well-being. Here are some strategies for addressing and dealing with gaslighting in the workplace:


1. Document Everything!!

Keep a detailed record of incidents where you feel you’ve been gaslighted. Document conversations, emails, or interactions that demonstrate manipulation or gaslighting behavior. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate the issue or seek support from HR.

  • Tip: Keep a journal of specific instances where you feel your reality was questioned. This will give you a clearer perspective on whether the behavior is recurring and help you articulate your experience to HR or a supervisor.


2. Seek Support from Trusted Colleagues or Mentors

Find a colleague or mentor you trust and share your experiences. Having an outside perspective can help you see if the gaslighting is truly happening, and talking it through can validate your feelings.

  • Tip: Look for someone within your organization who can provide emotional support and potentially act as a witness to your experiences.


3. Address the Behavior Directly

If you feel safe doing so, consider addressing the gaslighting directly with the individual involved. Be specific about the behavior that is bothering you and set clear boundaries about what is not acceptable. In some cases, individuals may not be aware of the harm they are causing.

  • Tip: Use "I" statements to avoid sounding accusatory, such as "I feel confused when our conversations are dismissed or contradicted," rather than "You always make me feel crazy."


4. Escalate the Issue to HR or Management

If gaslighting continues despite your efforts to address it, or if it is coming from a manager or superior, it may be necessary to involve Human Resources (HR) or higher management. HR departments are often equipped to handle workplace conflict and can provide a safe and confidential avenue for addressing concerns.

  • Tip: Be prepared to provide your documentation of the gaslighting incidents and explain the impact they are having on your work performance and well-being.


5. Consider Professional Help

If gaslighting is severely affecting your mental health or work performance, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial. Therapy can help you process the emotional toll and develop strategies for coping with manipulative behavior in the workplace.


The Long-Term Impact of Gaslighting on Work


Gaslighting at work is a serious issue that can negatively affect both individual employees and the organization as a whole. By undermining an individual’s self-esteem, decision-making abilities, and emotional health, gaslighting can lead to decreased productivity, heightened stress, and even long-term mental health issues.


It is crucial for both employees and employers to recognize the signs of gaslighting and take proactive steps to address it. Employees should document incidents, seek support, and address the behavior directly when possible. Employers, on the other hand, should foster a culture of trust, transparency, and open communication, providing resources for conflict resolution and mental health support.


Ultimately, a workplace that prioritizes respect and psychological safety will lead to a healthier, more productive environment for everyone involved.


Resources: Gaslighting





14 Genius Phrases To Shut Down Gaslighting, According to Psychologists: https://parade.com/living/phrases-to-shut-down-gaslighting-according-to-psychologists










You Need People in Your Corner. Discover how you can foster a diverse and inclusive network of peers to drive inspiration and growth: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/panels/12-tips-for-building-diverse-inclusive-peer-network-1235189982/





Keywords: gaslighting at work, effects of gaslighting, gaslighting behavior, workplace gaslighting, how gaslighting affects work, emotional abuse in the workplace, mental health at work, workplace dynamics, addressing gaslighting at work, dealing with gaslighting.

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