Feeling Overwhelmed by Negativity at My New Job: Should I Stay or Leave?

Hi all,

I have an experience of around 2.5 years. Recently, I joined a service-based company as a Senior Executive-HR. People here are not at all welcoming. The team members are telling me the negatives about the company from the very first day. They are saying that politics is the only way to survive here. All around me, there is so much negativity that I just want to quit this company. Please suggest.

It appears that you are making decisions based on the influence of others. I suggest analyzing and understanding the culture, and giving yourself more time. Wherever you go, you will likely encounter employees with a negative attitude. Instead of following their lead, why not try talking to those who are truly productive and loyal to the firm? Engage with this group of employees as well before making a decision. It is crucial to envision your growth and stability within your current company. If the answers to these considerations are positive, then I believe you should face the challenges and take on the role of an HR professional to motivate these employees and help them overcome their negativity.

Thank you.

Thank you for your suggestion. I would also like to add that the CEO here is very strict about irregular shift hours. For example, if I come to the office at 10 and leave at 6:30, my team members and others say, "Don't leave before 8 or 8:30 as it will leave a negative impact on the CEO." I don't understand how just sitting in the office will make any difference.

Concerns about team behavior

Additionally, one of my team members is abusive towards the women in the company. He spreads false rumors about anyone who is earning well. I have confronted him multiple times, but he dismisses it by saying, "You will get to know about all this."

Considering escalation

I believe I should escalate this issue to the seniors. This individual has taken a loan from the company, so he is confident that he will not be immediately terminated. He arrives at noon and leaves late, but if I am late, he threatens me by saying that the seniors will find out, and I will be in trouble. All of this is adding to my frustrations.

Please advise on how to handle this situation.

Dear Anonymous,

This is not a new situation; it happens in many cases. The existing staff in a department may see a newcomer as a threat, especially in similar functions or hierarchies. A web is spun by those who feel insecure at the workplace, and the reasons are best known to those concerned.

You may find the same person taking more interest in you, sharing negatives, and giving the impression of being a well-wisher. It is important to address your responsibilities well and not give others a chance to blame you. Maintain the office timetable strictly; when leaving, inform the concerned parties that nothing is pending. Frustration arises when your ego or inner self does not accept things as you wish. Try to eliminate this, but do not let things overpower you. People around may not allow you to reach the CEO, but something good about you as a newcomer can be noticed by the CEO. Continue until you secure a new job, but do not make a hasty decision, as it could be detrimental to you.

Navigating Workplace Politics

This political thing happens in all organizations. Just wait until you experience anything personally.

Work-Life Balance and Appraisals

Every employee should work on time and leave on time. Complete your work and leave, which is beneficial for appraisal time. Just inform your team leader or boss that you are leaving for the day and have finished your work. If they still force you to stay in the office for 2 more hours with no work, inform them that the next day you will be leaving, stating that you have worked according to your work timings.

Reconsidering Resignation

If it's not too late, inform your previous employer to retract your resignation and consider you for the same salary offered if you definitely want to leave the current one.