Gaslighting in the Workplace: Protecting Your Mental Health

Gaslighting, a form of emotional abuse, has evolved from its theatrical roots—the 1938 play "Gas Light"—to infest various aspects of life—most alarmingly, the professional environment.

How Workplace Gaslighting Works: Tactics and Techniques

At its core, gaslighting is about control. The primary mechanism involves a series of strategic lies, distorting facts, or making the victim feel they are "too sensitive" or "overreacting" when expressing their feelings, leading them to question their sanity. This manipulation is particularly damaging in workplaces, where authority dynamics can magnify the impact of such tactics.

In workplaces where gaslighting emerges between a supervisor and subordinate, the implications are severe—leading to a culture of fear, diminished productivity, and significant mental health consequences for the victim. The gaslighter not only undermines the individual but also cultivates an environment that can warp team dynamics and stifle collaboration.

Sarah's Story: How a Junior Executive Was Gaslit

Take, for example, Sarah, a bright and ambitious junior marketing executive eager to contribute to her reputable company. Her direct supervisor, Laura, was known for her efficacy and sharp acumen. However, as Sarah began to present innovative ideas during team meetings, Laura’s demeanor shifted from supportive to critical.

At first, Laura would dismiss Sarah's suggestions with remarks like, “That’s interesting, but our focus should be on proven strategies.” While these dismissals may have seemed harmless at first, Laura's tactics progressively intensified. After one presentation, Sarah was blindsided when Laura called her into her office. “You’ve got to be more careful with your presentations. You keep repeating the same old ideas,” Laura claimed, displaying a series of notes that Sarah had never seen before.

Confused and disheartened, Sarah began to question her abilities. “I thought I brought fresh solutions to the table,” she thought to herself. However, as weeks passed, every time Sarah presented an idea, Laura would twist the narrative. “You need to pay more attention to feedback,” Laura insisted in meetings, even citing examples that never occurred, making Sarah believe she was misremembering past discussions.

Laura also publicly undermined Sarah’s confidence by stating, “You have to improve if you want to succeed here,” while embellishing her own successes. Sarah’s colleagues noticed the tension but were unaware of the subtle manipulation or too fearful to intervene. As Sarah’s feelings of inadequacy grew, she became increasingly withdrawn, doubting her competence and fearing that she was incompetent. Laura's gaslighting reached a fever pitch when she claimed, “If only you were capable of understanding our vision,” implying that Sarah’s confusion was due to her shortcomings rather than Laura’s murky explanations. This statement stung deeply for Sarah, who had always been a high performer.

In her struggle to grasp the reality of her performance reviews—riddled with vague criticisms and unsubstantiated concerns—Sarah found it nearly impossible to discern what was genuinely expected of her. The crippling self-doubt festered, and fear of reprisal from Laura kept her from seeking help or validation from her peers.

Photo by Avi Agarwal @aviagarwal via Unsplash.

The Devastating Effects of Gaslighting: Mental Health & Career Impact

The grim reality is that workplace gaslighting can have devastating consequences. Victims like Sarah may experience confusion, disorientation, anxiety, and even burnout. They are haunted by a pervasive fear that their contributions will be belittled or misunderstood. Moreover, this example highlights the imperceptible nature of gaslighting in professional settings. Unlike overt bullying, which can be easily identified and addressed where witnesses are present, gaslighting operates in a gray area, often leaving victims questioning their own memories and sanity.

How to Stop Gaslighting: Strategies for a Healthier Workplace

The first step to breaking this destructive cycle is recognizing gaslighting in the workplace. Organizations must foster an environment where open communication and psychological safety are prioritized. Training programs that educate employees on recognizing manipulation tactics can empower individuals to effectively confront and counteract gaslighting behavior.

Sarah's story is a stark reminder of what happens when manipulation and control supersede healthy workplace relationships. By understanding and addressing these dynamics, we can cultivate workplaces that are not only productive but also nurturing—a far cry from the chilling manipulations that gaslighting entails. Raising awareness about gaslighting empowers us to reclaim autonomy, protect mental well-being, and foster ethical professional environments.

If you suspect you are being gaslighted, professional therapeutic help is essential for your well-being. Expressing your feelings in a safe environment outside your workplace and having them validated by a professional can help you gain clarity and confidence in your perceptions.