- India
- International
Actor Richa Chadha sheds light on the complexities of navigating the film industry. In a recent interview with News18, she revealed some challenging experiences with co-stars and producers.
Chadha spoke frankly about encountering “toxic co-actors constantly competing with her,” she said, “I don’t think I subscribe to the fact that all women are saints. I’ve had some terrible experiences with female producers whose cheques bounced and they pretend to be feminists on Twitter (now X). I’ve also had toxic co-actors constantly competing with me by not giving the right cues and cutting out the lights in scenes. I can’t say that I have had a uniform, monolithic experience. Sisterhood definitely exists and it’s real when you build it, craft it and nurture it. But it takes more than one person to understand and create that.”
By sharing her experiences, Chadha sparks a conversation about professionalism and fostering a more supportive environment within the workplace, for both men and women.
Neha Bahri, CHRO, Bconnect Communications, said navigating toxicity in your workplace must be challenging but it is essential for you to maintain professionalism and take care of your well-being. Here are some ways she recommends doing that:
Set limits: To safeguard your personal space, time, and energy, set clear limits with the toxic coworker. Set firm but polite boundaries for yourself and stay out of their dramatisation and bad behaviour.
Focus on your work: Redirect your attention and energies toward your work activities and objectives by focusing on your work. The negative effects of your toxic colleague’s behaviour on your output and morale might be reduced by focusing on your own obligations and priorities.
Maintain Professionalism: Try to always act in a professional manner, regardless of how your toxic coworker acts. Stay away from conflicts and rumours, and concentrate on doing your best to complete your work obligations.
Look for Support: Ask for direction and advise on how to handle the toxic coworker from mentors, supervisors, or other helpful coworkers. Talking about your experiences with someone you can trust can help you find perspective, coping mechanisms, and validation.
Self help: Aside from work, look after your physical and mental health by taking part in activities that help you decompress, unwind, and take care of yourself. Despite the difficulties at work, hobbies, physical activity, and quality time with loved ones can help you decompress and keep a positive outlook.
Toxic coworkers or bosses can have a negative impact on employee performance, morale, and well-being at the workplace, as well as the success and culture of the company as a whole. Toxic conduct must be identified and addressed in order to create a happier, healthier workplace where staff members may flourish and do their best work.