If you've ever worked with a toxic colleague or boss, you know the toll it can take both personally and professionally. The term "toxic" is used frequently, and for good reason.  A Harvard Business School (HBS) study describes toxic workers as those engaging in harmful behavior towards an organization's property or people. In extreme cases, they can cause financial losses and harm employees. Even moderate levels of toxic behavior can lead to customer loss, decreased employee morale, increased turnover, and loss of legitimacy among stakeholders.

In her book, The Burnout Immunity, Dr. Kandi Wiens found that the link between toxic workers and burnout is strong. Interestingly, it's not the toxic employees who are burning out, but their colleagues. The McKinsey Health Institute studied toxic workplace conditions and burnout, surveying nearly 15,000 employees and 1,000 HR decision-makers across 15 countries. They found toxic behavior was the leading cause of burnout and intent to leave. Employees exposed to high levels of toxic behavior were eight times more likely to experience burnout symptoms, such as exhaustion and disengagement, and burned-out employees were six times more likely to quit within 3 to 6 months.

Why do toxic workers lead to such severe outcomes? Simply put, they make work life miserable. Disrespect, bullying, harassment, and unethical behavior from colleagues or bosses can make anyone dread going to work. The more contact you have with such people, the higher your risk of psychological harm and burnout.  Moreover, toxic workers spread their negative emotions and behaviors to others, a phenomenon known as emotional contagion. This is the key difference between merely difficult employees and genuinely toxic ones—their harmful behavior proliferates throughout the workplace. Exposure to toxic workers increases the likelihood of others becoming toxic as well. People naturally mimic the emotions and behaviors of those around them. A bad mood can spread just like the flu, impacting everyone in the vicinity.

This emotional contagion happens through verbal and nonverbal communication, including body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. At work, this can significantly affect employees' moods, productivity, and overall performance. The impact is more pronounced with leaders, as emotions are particularly contagious in power-imbalanced relationships, such as between managers and employees. Studies have shown that a manager's stress can transmit to employees and last up to a year.

Burnout can also be contagious. In a high-stress environment filled with cynicism, disengagement, and low morale, employees are likely to absorb and act out these negative emotions. This is especially true for individuals naturally predisposed to negativity or lacking healthy coping mechanisms. Jobs involving high contact with people experiencing negative emotions, like customer service or healthcare, are more vulnerable. Long-term exposure to others' negative emotions can lead to burnout.

Burnout contagion can occur between individual employees or spread rapidly through group transmission, especially after significant events like layoffs, budget cuts, or cultural changes due to new management. If these events are not addressed properly, they can lead to collective burnout among employees who frequently interact.

To assess your work environment, consider the emotional state of your workplace. Is the general mood upbeat or tense and overwhelming? How do employees respond to stress—do they support each other or succumb to anxiety? Recognizing the emotional climate of your workplace is crucial. Emotional contagion is powerful, and working with people constantly engulfed in negative emotions can pose a significant risk to your own well-being. 

In Simone Stolzoff's "The Good Enough Job," the author explores a refreshing perspective on work that challenges the pervasive "dream job" narrative. The key takeaway is the concept of the "good enough job," which advocates for a balanced approach to professional life, emphasizing satisfaction, personal fulfillment, and mental well-being over the relentless pursuit of an idealized career.

Stolzoff argues that the obsession with finding a dream job can lead to unrealistic expectations and chronic dissatisfaction. The societal pressure to land a job that perfectly aligns with one's passions and provides immense fulfillment is often unrealistic and can cause undue stress. Instead of perpetually chasing an elusive ideal, Stolzoff suggests that we shift our focus to jobs that are "good enough" – roles that meet our needs, align with our values, and allow for a balanced life.

Defining Success Through Your Own Definition

One of the central themes of the book is redefining what success means in the context of work. Stolzoff encourages readers to move away from traditional markers of success such as job titles, salaries, and prestige. Instead, success should be measured by personal satisfaction, work-life balance, and overall well-being. The author highlights that a "good enough job" might not be glamorous or high-paying but can offer stability, a positive work environment, and the flexibility to pursue other interests and passions outside of work.

What is the Role of Work in Your Life?

Stolzoff delves into the role of work in our lives, urging readers to consider how much of their identity and self-worth are tied to their job. The book emphasizes the importance of creating boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring that work does not consume all aspects of one's identity. By adopting a "good enough" mindset, individuals can prioritize their health, relationships, and personal growth, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Practical Steps for Embracing the "Good Enough" Job:

1.  Identify Your Values: Understand what is truly important to you. This might include work-life balance, meaningful work, a supportive work environment, or opportunities for personal growth.

2.  Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize that no job is perfect. Accepting that your job can be "good enough" without being ideal can lead to greater satisfaction and less stress.

3.  Create Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This can help prevent burnout and ensure that you have time for activities and relationships that bring you joy.

4.  Pursue Passions Outside of Work: Engage in hobbies, volunteer work, or side projects that fulfill your passions and interests. This can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that might not come from your primary job.

5.  Seek Continuous Improvement: Focus on gradual improvements in your job rather than drastic changes. Small adjustments can lead to increased satisfaction over time.

By embracing the concept of a "good enough job," individuals can find greater satisfaction and balance in their professional and personal lives which can be liberating for those feeling the pressure of the dream job narrative.