Many people who feel that their workplace is toxic may indeed feel imprisoned by the fact that there's a global pandemic going on and it’s going to be hard to find a new job. But such an idea can be very limiting and so it’s better to stay in a positive mindset. In reality, the world just didn't stop one day, companies are still hiring and you can always make money on your own.
Meanwhile, Professor Ng from Bucknell University said that if the problems in the workplace concern derogatory comments (like unwanted or unwelcome jokes), a human rights complaint might be the right course of action. "Employers (managers and HR) can be held responsible for inaction," he told us and added that “if repeated complaints about the toxic workplace to the manager or HR fall on deaf years, then it is indicative that the employer is not taking the concern seriously and it's the cue that you should switch employers/workplace.
"On the other hand, "if management makes an effort for change, then it would be an opportunity to assist with that change. Many organizations are not addressing systemic discrimination and are engaging with employees with this change," Professor Ng said. In more severe cases when the toxic workplace environment becomes a health concern and the employer is still not willing to act accordingly, the employee can always quit and sue the employer for constructive dismissal.
