I’m living proof of this. As a Gen Z who got a job straight out of college, I’ve encountered the worst kind of office bullies—mostly older, manipulative, and full of sweet promises. “Dito ka sa akin, maganda ang future mo rito.” “Huwag ka riyan, hindi ka makikilala riyan—sayang ang ganda mo.” Pero ang ending? Intern treatment parin: taga-print, taga-photocopy, utusan dito, utusan doon.
But this is where you learn to sharpen your discernment. The older you get, the more you realize uncommunicated one-sided beef is not your problem, undiscussed expectations are not your problem, someone disliking you is not your problem, someone not understanding you is not your problem, and what they think of you is not your business.
Sabi nga nila, a smart person learns from their mistakes, but a wise person learns from the mistakes of others. Here’s how you can handle toxicity in the workplace—without losing your mind or your peace:
1. Stay fresh and youthful. Smile and wave like they’re nobody.
An insecure adult will often project their regrets and bitterness onto younger employees, especially those they secretly envy. If you’re good-looking, confident, or simply happy, they might try to dim your light. They’ll either want your loyalty like a pet or retaliate if you don’t play along. Trust me, you didn’t miss anything. You were never meant to be anyone’s pawn. Wala nang mas satisfying pa sa makitang naiinis ang taong ayaw sa’yo, habang kalmado at happy ka lang!
2. Stand by your values. If you know you deserve better, demand it.
They’ll say “lahat kami nagsimula sa baba” to guilt you into accepting low pay or bad treatment. But the truth is: there are labor laws and workplace policies designed to protect your rights. According to the Philippine Labor Code (Article 97 to 100), workers must be paid fair compensation that reflects their skillset and contribution. Your value isn’t measured by how long you endure abuse. Hindi porket nahirapan ka, kailangan mahirapan din ako. The goal is to improve the system, not keep it broken.
3. Never mind the gossip. That lowers your vibration and spirituality.
Some people will call gossip “honesty.” “Kaibigan, honest lang ako ha, pero basura talaga siya gumawa!” That’s not honesty—it’s spiritual decay. A real leader helps others grow and teaches, provides helpful insights. A coward whispers insults behind someone’s back, yet does absolutely nothing to improve or help them. Gossip says more about the speaker than the subject. Kaya hindi porket nakikinig yang kausap mo, e’ sang-ayon na sila at may kasangga ka na. Your words reflect your own wounds. Nakakahiya sa Diyos mo, sa ibang tao, at lalo na sa sarili mo.
4. Don’t take things personally. Work is work. Don’t trust easily.
Criticism—when valid—is your best teacher. Whether you’re a fresh grad or a PhD holder, you will still make mistakes. That’s normal. Own them and learn. Lahat ng mga matatanda, may masasabi sa mga newbies. Duh! Let them talk. Use it as motivation to improve—not for them, not for the company, but for yourself. Not because they help you won’t mean they mean well, this might just be a way to get your loyalty so you can work under them. Be careful who you trust. Work with a leader who wishes and celebrates your greatness, the one who says “proud ako sa kung saan ka mapunta kasi ibig sabihin, naroon na rin ako.”
Your success is my success too. – Sir Terence. ♥
5. Never start a fight, but know how to end one
You’re not here to start drama, but when they go low, you better know how to stand tall. If someone publicly humiliates you or tries to ruin your name, get the receipts, then fight back. Hindi ka pinalaki ng magulang mo para alipustahin. Gen Z, we are not here to be passive or abused. We are not like them.
Yet…
Silence is powerful, too. Sometimes, some people aren’t deserving of any reactions. Let karma do its thing. And when it does? It will hit hard.
6. Pray for them. Then leave them.
Talk to God about what hurts. Let your pain be known to the One who sees it all. Older generations might mock your tears—“Mas grabe pa naranasan ko noon, kaya magpasalamat ka!” Uhm, thanks? No thanks. Let’s break that cycle.
Gen Z, our time will come. For now, let them belittle us. Let them fire us. Let them laugh. But one day, we’ll build a better system. One where kindness isn’t rare. One where professionalism isn’t synonymous with silent suffering. And we’ll be the role models we never had.
TAGS: Samantha Ramirez, Overthoughts, Toxic Workmates, Work Environment
References:
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Philippines. Labor Code of the Philippines, Articles 97 to 100. https://www.dole.gov.ph
Deloitte. 2023. 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey. https://www2.deloitte.com
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