Gaslighting in the Workplace: Understanding and Addressing Psychological Manipulation

Harassment in the workplace is unfortunately a widespread issue, taking various forms such as cyberbullying and sexual discrimination. Shockingly, studies have shown that gaslighting, a form of psychological abuse, affects 58% of employees. As a business owner or leader, it is crucial to recognize gaslighting and take necessary measures to create a healthier and more positive work environment for your team.

What is Gaslighting at Work?

Gaslighting at work occurs when an individual in a position of power manipulates a victim's perception of reality. This type of psychological manipulation can be challenging to detect, as gaslighters often employ subtle and charming tactics. For example, a manager might neglect to assign a task to an employee and later deny it, causing the employee to doubt themselves. The term "gaslight" originated from a 1944 film in which a husband convinces his wife that she is going crazy to hide his wrongdoings. This behavior is now recognized by psychologists in various settings, including the workplace.

Signs of Gaslighting at Work

To better understand gaslighting, here are some common tactics used by perpetrators in the workplace:

• Lack of transparency to catch employees off guard (e.g., withholding specific dress code information for an event)
• Failure to keep accurate meeting minutes to manipulate situations in the future (e.g., altering what was discussed in a meeting to shift blame onto others)
• Selective enforcement of policies (e.g., dismissing an employee's complaint if it could harm the company's reputation)
• Withholding essential information (e.g., not providing all the necessary details for a project)
• Frequent changes in goals or job expectations without valid reasons (to shift the blame onto employees for "underachieving")
• Taking credit for others' work (e.g., claiming a co-worker's idea as their own)
• Creating conflicts between colleagues (e.g., twisting someone's words to create misunderstandings)
• Intimidating co-workers (e.g., making threats that could damage someone's reputation)
• Spreading false rumors (e.g., unfounded accusations of harassment)
• Undermining a colleague's confidence (e.g., questioning their methods or dismissing their valid concerns)

Gaslighting Scenarios in the Workplace

Gaslighting at work can occur in three main scenarios:

• Managers gaslighting their employees
• Co-workers gaslighting each other
• Group gaslighting (e.g., when managers or co-workers join forces to target an individual)

Having a gaslighting boss can have significant consequences for employees, leaving them feeling unvalued and unappreciated, which can negatively impact their performance and possibly lead to resignation. For instance, a manager may favor one employee for promotions, putting obstacles in the way of others while giving preferential treatment to their preferred employee. This indirect manipulation can severely hinder an employee's career growth and cause feelings of frustration and injustice.

Dealing with Gaslighting at Work

If you suspect gaslighting in your workplace, here are some steps to take to address the issue:

• Provide training and education to your employees on the signs and effects of gaslighting
• Keep a record of any gaslighting incidents and address them promptly
• Promote open communication and foster a safe and transparent work culture

Is Gaslighting Illegal in the Workplace?

While gaslighting itself is not necessarily illegal, it can constitute harassment or discrimination if the victim belongs to a legally protected group. Therefore, it is crucial for employers to take necessary measures to prevent and address gaslighting in the workplace, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment for all employees.

Discriminatory Gaslighting in the Workplace: Understanding Your Rights

When an individual is chosen as a victim based on their race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or pregnancy, it becomes a form of discrimination. Not only is this type of conduct unacceptable, but it also carries severe legal consequences for the perpetrator.

In the workplace, if an employee experiences discriminatory gaslighting, they have the right to take legal action against their employer. However, it is important to note that for it to be considered illegal discrimination, there must be some form of adverse employment action taken against the victim. This could include being denied promotions, raises, or even being fired.

Should an employee face discriminatory gaslighting and suffer from an adverse employment action, they have the right to file a lawsuit against their employer. In such cases, the victim can seek punitive damages, including compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, or reputational harm. Furthermore, if the victim loses their job due to the gaslighting, they can also sue for reinstatement and receive back pay and front pay.

It is imperative to remember that gaslighting and discrimination are not just unethical, but they are also illegal. As an employee, it is crucial to know your rights and take appropriate action if you experience such behavior in the workplace. In addition, employers have a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees, and discriminatory gaslighting goes against this principle. It is essential to raise awareness and educate individuals on this type of toxic behavior, so it can be eliminated from the workplace.