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What happens when your workplace becomes toxic—and you feel like you’ve lost control?
In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, David sits down with HR leader and author Theresa Chilcoat to talk about one of the most difficult workplace experiences: surviving a toxic environment while protecting your peace, your confidence, and your career.
With more than 15 years of HR experience, Theresa has seen the workplace from both sides. She shares what she has learned about the warning signs of employee disconnect, why people rarely disengage overnight, and how leaders can recognize the changes in energy, voice, recognition, and ownership before an employee decides to leave.
But this conversation isn't just about what leaders can do. Theresa also brings the employee perspective, drawing from her book, Surviving the Toxic Workplace from an HR Insider, and her message that employees have agency—even when they can't control the environment around them.
David and Theresa explore how employees can begin taking back their power, set healthier boundaries, protect their well-being, and make intentional decisions about how they respond to a difficult workplace.
They also dig into the other side of the equation: Do leaders really understand what motivates the people they lead? And what happens when leaders become more aware of the people behind the performance?
It's a conversation about toxic workplaces, leadership awareness, employee motivation, retention, and ultimately, recognizing that while we can't always control the workplace around us, we can control how we respond to it.
Listen in for a candid conversation about recognizing the signs, reclaiming your power, and creating healthier workplaces—whether you're leading the team or trying to survive it.
To find Teri's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHJDHBR2
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