Gaslighting in the workplace can be extremely damaging, yet it often goes unnoticed due to its subtle nature. It can make you doubt your abilities and feel inadequate in your job performance. Here are five signs that you may be gaslit at work.
1. Questioning Your Work Ethic
If your boss or colleagues constantly question your work ethic, be cautious. Phrases like, “You should have done it this way instead,” “You should have stayed late to finish the job,” or “You need to be tougher on the team,” are classic gaslighting tactics designed to make you second-guess every move you make at work.
2. Attempts to Isolate You
Have you ever walked into the office and noticed people whispering or giving you strange looks? Do you often eat lunch alone or find yourself never invited to hang out with the team? These could be signs that your colleagues or boss are using gaslighting techniques to isolate you within the workplace.
3. Spreading Lies About You
If you suddenly find that everyone is asking about your issues, it might not just be out of concern. A gaslighter at work may spread false rumors about your personal life, claiming that your health problems are affecting your work performance. They might even spread scandalous lies, such as saying you are involved with the boss, turning you into the subject of office gossip overnight.
4. Claims That You Don’t Remember
Missing important meetings, not being copied on crucial emails, or being given incorrect deadlines can all be signs of gaslighting. If your colleagues tell you that you are forgetful and can’t remember anything, it’s a classic gaslighting tactic meant to undermine your confidence and reliability.
5. Accusations of Overreacting
If you get upset over these incidents, you might be told that you’re too sensitive or not professional enough. Being accused of overreacting when you express frustration or anger is a definite sign of gaslighting that you need to be wary of in the workplace.
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