Signs that you are being psychologically manipulated in the workplace

The workplace environment is like a miniature society, where you spend 8 hours each day interacting with various people, conversing, eating, and working together. Therefore, continuous dialogues occur, and one of the issues that have become a “pain point” for some people in the workplace is psychological manipulation. Let’s explore what psychological manipulation is and the signs that you may have been or are being psychologically manipulated at work.

What is psychological manipulation?

Psychological manipulation, also known as Gaslighting, is a common issue in predominantly abusive relationships. This term was discovered and gradually became popular since 1938, originating from a play written by Patrick Hamilton, an Englishman. In it, the victim of psychological manipulation often harbors significant self-doubt about themselves, their actions, feelings, and thoughts. As a result, the manipulated person begins to trust and act according to the manipulator’s words.

Unfortunately, psychological manipulation frequently occurs in familiar relationships such as family, friends, partners, and has now “spread” to workplace relationships, including between colleagues, bosses, and employees. Many people who have been psychologically manipulated believe they are unaware of how they have been manipulated. Instead, they see the manipulative words from their superiors or colleagues as well-meaning contributions to their work process. Victims of psychological manipulation suffer severe mental consequences, especially when the manipulator’s words seem to encircle and impact their thoughts and work performance.

Signs of psychological manipulation in the workplace

People intending to make others their “slaves” always have ways to psychologically manipulate. To recognize if you are being psychologically manipulated by a colleague or superior at work, pay attention to these signs:

Frequently making baseless negative judgments

When you realize you have devoted yourself to your job, but your superiors constantly point out your faults unreasonably or even criticize your weaknesses without basis. This is one of the most obvious and recognizable forms of psychological manipulation. The manipulators create a significant power imbalance between you and them, making it easier for them to exploit you.

Talking behind someone’s back

You often encounter gossip and whispers about someone in the workplace. Similarly, they will find topics about you and speak ill of you to others in your absence. As a result, people gradually develop a negative view of you, even though you may not understand why. This is also a common form of psychological manipulation.

Personal criticism and actions

The manipulator often focuses on even the smallest details about you, using them to mock or ridicule you, creating pressure in work or provoking you to achieve their objectives.

Publicly belittling, negative comments about the opponent

A common tactic of psychological manipulators is to publicly criticize you in front of a group by exaggerating an issue, whether it be your work attitude or the quality of your work. Remember, these are not constructive criticisms to help you improve at work but baseless criticisms aimed at diminishing your reputation and dignity in front of others.

Denying efforts, hindering promotion opportunities

The desire to advance in one’s career is universal. However, manipulators often deny all your efforts, claiming that your achievements are due to others’ help or sheer luck. This not only affects your reputation and hard work in front of superiors but also makes you doubt your own achievements.

Being bullied or threatened

This often manifests as “senior bullying junior” in the workplace, especially if you are new to the company. Wanting to fit in, you may be exploited by manipulators who assign tasks outside your expertise or, worse, give you poor evaluations to superiors if you do not comply.

Avoiding responsibility, finding scapegoats

Manipulators often fear and flee when they make mistakes at work. They start to blame others and intend to make you “take the fall” for them. This scenario is common when you are an employee and they are a manager or supervisor.

How to avoid being psychologically manipulated

With all kinds of people and behaviors in the workplace, along with sometimes bizarre situations that can leave you in tears or laughter, especially when you have been psychologically manipulated. So, how can you avoid being manipulated? You need to take the following steps to help yourself escape manipulation:

• Step 1: Accept that you are being psychologically manipulated by others, by facing the problem directly without avoidance or self-doubt, and seek external opinions to broaden your perspective.
• Step 2: Gather evidence of manipulation. This could be threatening messages, demeaning or mocking you, or baseless arguments in meetings captured on video. Moreover, try to collect enough evidence to confidently confront in case of disputes.
• Step 3: Improve your mental and emotional state with the help of close friends and family. Those manipulated should not hold onto negativity for too long, seeking advice or solutions from loved ones to relax and effectively address the issue
• Step 4: Manipulators often become anxious if discovered. So, when you notice signs of them manipulating you, be prepared to confront them and expose their actions.
• Step 5: If the situation becomes unbearable, the only thing to do is to report to superiors and consider resigning or leaving the job for a more suitable one.

In conclusion, psychological manipulation is a frequent occurrence in the workplace. Its consequences are severe for the victims, affecting not only their work but also their mental well-being. Therefore, this issue needs to be addressed in society.