Friday, May 23, 2025

“Toxin Handlers” Are Vital to an Organization’s Health and Success

Here's how to support your coworkers without being overwhelmed

Do your coworkers rely on you to be a sounding board for a litany of complaints, anxieties, and personal problems? While the role of “toxin handler” often falls to stewards in unionized workplaces, it could be anyone who has patience and a sympathetic ear.

Although toxin handlers often go unrecognized by their employers, they are vital to an organization’s health and success. They calm negative emotions and keep them from spreading, helping the entire team remain focused and productive. But regularly handling other people’s issues can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout if it’s not acknowledged and managed correctly.

4 Strategies When Supporting Coworkers

Seek to understand—not to feel. When others vent to you, focus on asking questions to better understand the situation and move toward a resolution, rather than trying to carry their emotional load. For example, if someone shares their struggles, ask, “Can you help me understand the main challenges you’re facing right now?” This cognitive approach allows you to provide solid support without sacrificing your own mood.
Set boundaries. While others feel comfortable confiding in you, remember that your role is not that of a therapist. If a coworker shares personal issues or mental health challenges, avoid overstepping. Focus on connecting them with professional resources rather than being the resource yourself. Remind them that CLAC provides members with mental health awareness and education, financial wellness information and tools, substance abuse case management, and an interactive health and wellness page on myCLAC.ca.
Give yourself some credit. When people open up to you about their struggles, it shows they trust you to be empathetic and keep their confidence. But listening to and helping people can, in turn, weigh on your mood and deplete you. Targeted reflection can help diminish that burden. Research has shown that when we appreciate our role in helping others, it protects our own emotions and can help avoid burnout. Taking time to pause and savour the difference you’re making sustains your ability to continue having a positive impact.
Show yourself equal care. Have self-compassion for your unofficial role as a toxin handler. It’s demanding and often time-consuming work. For instance, if you’re criticizing yourself for a missed task or deadline, remind yourself that you’ve been prioritizing someone else’s well-being, so it’s natural that some things will take a backseat. Be sure to take regular breaks to replenish your energy and emotional resources.

5 Signs of Second-Hand Stress

People who regularly take on the emotional burden of coworkers are susceptible to second-hand stress. Be aware of the following five common warning signals.

Physical symptoms – headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and digestive problems
Emotional symptoms – feeling anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or a sense of dread; difficulty concentrating
Behavioural changes – becoming withdrawn or avoiding certain situations, difficulty sleeping, or changes in eating habits
Cognitive symptoms – changes in thought patterns, such as negative or pessimistic thinking, or an inability to focus or make decisions
Increased sensitivity – heightened emotional response to stressors that previously were not a problem

If you develop any of these symptoms, try some stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, exercise, or spending time in nature. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional.

Sources: CPD Online College, hbr.org

“Toxin Handlers” Are Vital to an Organization’s Health and Success

You might be interested in