by Scott Hayden

Created on: July 16, 2008   Last Updated: May 25, 2010

In the modern business world, which is full of multi-billion dollar mergers and huge layoffs, workers can feel like they are not in control of their destinies. Add office politics and toxic co-workers to the mix and the workplace can be a malicious environment. Competition is fierce and there is little room for mercy. Your survival will depend on how you meet these challenges.

Not all of your colleagues will be pleasant, and you'll have to handle them with tact and grace. That doesn't mean you have to hug them every chance you get, and it doesn't mean you must be a pushover. But, it does mean you should be friendly and assertive when necessary. At the same time, avoiding the common pitfalls in an office environment, i.e. gossiping, can keep you out of serious trouble.

Make yourself visible, but just barely. One good technique is to offer to tackle a big assignment and this will keep your boss off your back for a week or so. Communication via e-mail is the best way to send progress reports, and he or she will be less likely to stop by your desk to see what you're up to.

Office gossip can be a killer in any company. Don't get involved in any conversations about a flirtatious colleague and his or her steamy romance. This can be amazingly hard to ignore and the urge to give your own thoughts can be overwhelming. However, rumors have a nasty habit of spreading like wildfire and when accusations start to fly people might point their fingers in your direction. You wouldn't want this at all. More importantly, never put what you hear in e-mails, text messages or instant messages.

Whatever job you're doing, be enthusiastic about it. Show up a few minutes before you are scheduled to start working and don't take extended lunch breaks. If you can make your co-workers see you are diligent, reliable and willing to go the extra mile, this will stand you in good stead later on if somebody tries to bully you. It's quite likely they will be there to back you up when things get rough.

Speaking of workplace bullying, it would be a wise precaution to be prepared to deal with some negative individuals. An unfortunate fact of life in any company is that there will be always be at least one rotten apple. If this person targets you, whatever you do don't lose your cool. Document any insults, threats or innuendos and take them to the human resources department. If nothing is done, it might be a good idea to look for another job.

Nothing tells what kind of person you are like your desk at the office. Keep it clean and orderly. You want to be taken seriously, so to that end make sure it's well organized and visually pleasing. If it isn't, you won't have many friends and they will go out of their way to exclude you from company and non-work related functions.

Network, network and network some more. One of the more beneficial aspects of being at work all day is consolidating friendships. You can bounce ideas off each other and form genuine relationships. Don't try to cultivate a friendship with anybody who quotes the company's mission statement to you after your first week. This isn't a good sign. Despite these challenges, surviving in the workplace is possible. Remember that assertiveness, patience and politeness will go a long way.

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