Singapore reports on the consequences of a toxic work environment — Channel NewsAsia
In Singapore, employees who have experienced bullying, humiliation or prolonged stress at work may feel its effects even after leaving their jobs. This is discussed in a Channel NewsAsia report that collected personal accounts from workers and comments from mental health specialists.
Noah, a 45-year-old entrepreneur, said that after a change of manager at the multinational technology company where he worked, he was subjected to racist remarks, mockery of his religious practices and humiliation. According to him, the manager also used his laptop to send colleagues an offensive email allegedly in his name. Years after leaving the job, memories of his former manager still cause him trembling and a rapid heartbeat, Noah said.
How prolonged stress manifests itself
Clinical psychologist Amrit Kaur noted that constant bullying, harassment, humiliation or chronic stress can exceed a person's ability to cope and have a lasting impact. The situation is complicated by the fact that employees are often forced to continue working in an environment that harms them.
Specialists listed sleep disturbances, fear of the beginning of the work week, emotional numbness during meetings, difficulty responding to work emails, anxiety, panic attacks, worsening concentration, memory and decision-making ability among the possible manifestations. Psychotherapist Michelle Ma also mentioned constantly replaying anxious thoughts and a feeling of helplessness.
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One of the publication's interviewees, Hana, said that due to the dismissive attitude of a senior colleague in the laboratory, she began experiencing a rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms when she saw her. Another employee, Natasha, spoke about regular insults and shouting from a senior colleague; while she was still working in public relations, she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Support and recovery
According to psychologist Mahima Didwania, changing jobs or moving to another department may remove the immediate source of stress but does not necessarily eliminate its consequences. She advised seeking a safe space to process emotions, among close people or in therapy. Specialists also advise assessing practical options in parallel: financial circumstances, available leave or the possibility of temporarily changing duties.
Kaur stressed that recovery is connected not only with finding another employer, but also with rebuilding self-esteem beyond professional achievements. Noah noted that the support of family and friends, spiritual practices and hobbies helped him understand that a person's worth is not defined by their position or the attitude of one employer.
