Recognizing Gaslighting in the Workplace and Taking Action

Gaslighting in the workplace can be insidious and harmful. Understanding the signs and knowing how to respond is crucial for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. This article delves into the dynamics of gaslighting, provides signs to watch out for, and offers guidance on how to protect yourself.

What is Gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where the manipulator argues that the victim is constantly mistaken or forgetting, sometimes through outright lying. The goal is to make the victim question their reality, perceptions, and sanity. Gaslighting can happen in various roles and situations, but it is particularly damaging when it occurs in a professional setting. It can negatively impact an employee's confidence, job performance, and mental health.

Common Tactics of Gaslighting in the Workplace

Convincing an employee they said or did something they didn’t do, such as not completing a task or misrepresenting a conversation with a customer.

Making an employee feel incapable when there is no evidence to support this claim.

Telling an employee that you don’t understand why they didn’t do a task when you never assigned it to them.

"Proving" that you sent an email when you never did, or that a colleague has complained about their performance when they haven’t.

Stating that an employee isn’t being a team player when they have been.

Insinuating that an employee has an attitude when they haven’t.

Accusing an employee of being late from breaks when they aren't late.

Leading an employee to believe that their colleagues don’t like them or that they don't fit in, when in fact they do.

Signs of Gaslighting in the Workplace

Recognizing gaslighting is crucial, as it can push employees to question their own sanity.

Common Signs

Ignoring an employee's contributions and feedback.

Being blatantly lied to by your manager or coworkers.

Having accomplishments undermined or downplayed.

Changes made in your tasks or responsibilities without being informed, and the person denying having told you.

Coworkers you used to get along with are no longer friendly.

Only you are being criticized while others are overlooked.

Getting excluded from meetings or other work gatherings.

Not being given proper training on new or updated systems, then being asked how to do tasks you've never been trained on.

How to Respond to Gaslighting

Resisting Emotional Manipulation

If you find yourself constantly questioning your actions and feelings, it could be a sign of gaslighting. It's important to resist the emotional manipulation and assert your boundaries.

Steps to Take:

Document everything: Keep records of all conversations, emails, and interactions that seem manipulative or distressing.

Speak up: Voice your concerns and experiences to your manager or HR. Provide specific examples of the manipulation.

Seek support: Talk to a mentor, trusted coworker, or therapist about your experiences.

Practice assertiveness: Firmly and respectfully communicate your needs and boundaries in the workplace.

Demand respect: If the behavior continues, escalate to higher management or seek legal advice if necessary.

Creating a Respectful Environment

If you are working in an environment where gaslighting is prevalent, consider these steps to create a more respectful and supportive workplace:

Encourage open communication: Foster a culture where employees feel safe to express their thoughts and concerns.

Set clear expectations: Make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

Implement accountability measures: Establish processes for tracking progress and providing feedback.

Conclusion: Gaslighting in the workplace is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on employees' mental health and job performance. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and contribute to a healthier work environment.