Gaslighting in the workplace

[WORLD] In today’s high-stakes corporate world, a subtle and insidious form of psychological manipulation is gaining traction: gaslighting. Once predominantly associated with personal relationships, gaslighting is now making its way into boardrooms and executive offices, leaving employees, managers, and even entire organizations questioning their reality and undermining their confidence.

Experts say that this growing trend poses a significant threat to workplace dynamics, with long-term consequences for both individual well-being and organizational health.

What Is Corporate Gaslighting?

Gaslighting, a term originating from a 1938 play and popularized by a 1944 film, describes a form of psychological manipulation where one party seeks to make another doubt their perceptions, memories, or reality. In the workplace, gaslighting can take on many forms: from managers denying previous conversations or decisions to colleagues misrepresenting facts to create confusion or sow doubt.

"Corporate gaslighting can range from the subtle undermining of an employee’s performance to outright deception or false narratives being created about a team's achievements or failures," says Dr. Elaine Mitchell, a workplace psychologist and consultant on organizational behavior. "What makes it particularly dangerous is that it erodes the individual’s sense of self-trust and can foster a toxic, unproductive work environment."

A Rise in Workplace Manipulation

Though the term may seem new, experts say corporate gaslighting has been in practice for decades. However, its visibility has spiked in recent years as employees and organizations are increasingly aware of workplace dynamics, mental health, and psychological safety.

In 2023, a study by the Corporate Mental Health Institute found that more than 35% of employees had experienced some form of psychological manipulation at work. This includes tactics ranging from being publicly criticized for decisions they did not make to having their contributions erased or misrepresented in group discussions.

"Gaslighting in the corporate environment can sometimes be so subtle that individuals don't even realize it's happening until it’s too late," says Dr. Mitchell. "For example, a manager might say, 'That’s not what you told me last week,' when an employee is simply trying to remind them of a prior conversation. Over time, this can wear down the employee’s confidence."

How Gaslighting Undermines Workplace Culture

Gaslighting can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the targeted individual but also for the broader organization. At its core, the tactic creates a culture of fear and mistrust, where employees are hesitant to speak up or share their ideas for fear of being discredited or manipulated.

According to a 2024 report by the Workplace Culture Institute, nearly 50% of employees in gaslit environments reported feeling anxious, disengaged, or mentally exhausted. Additionally, companies with cultures of gaslighting often see lower productivity, higher turnover rates, and difficulty in recruiting new talent.

Recognizing the Signs of Gaslighting in the Workplace

It’s essential for both employers and employees to recognize the warning signs of gaslighting in order to address the issue before it spirals out of control. Some common indicators include:

Contradictory Communication: Managers or colleagues may frequently contradict themselves or deny past agreements, leaving employees uncertain of their standing.

Excessive Blame: Gaslighting often involves shifting blame for mistakes or failures onto others, creating a climate of defensiveness.

Withholding Information: A gaslighter may deliberately withhold key information or misrepresent facts, making it difficult for the employee to succeed or understand the true scope of a problem.

Devaluation of Ideas: Employees may experience their contributions being dismissed or overshadowed, despite their original input being significant or important.

Feeling Disoriented: Employees often experience a growing sense of confusion or self-doubt, leading them to question their own decisions and judgment.

The Impact on Employee Well-being

The emotional and psychological toll of corporate gaslighting can be profound. Employees subjected to this manipulation may experience anxiety, depression, and burnout. According to mental health experts, prolonged exposure to gaslighting can lead to a condition known as "psychological erosion," where an individual’s sense of self-worth diminishes over time.

“Gaslighting isn’t just about the actions of one manipulative individual. It’s a reflection of a broader organizational culture that prioritizes power over fairness,” explains Dr. Sarah Thompson, a workplace wellness advocate. “Over time, this damages not only the employee’s mental health but the overall culture of the organization, leading to disengagement and loss of motivation.”

Corporate Responsibility and Addressing the Issue

Addressing corporate gaslighting requires a multi-pronged approach. Organizational leaders must foster transparency, clear communication, and a culture of respect. According to experts, promoting mental health awareness and providing resources for employees to cope with stress and manipulation are key first steps.

In many companies, human resources departments are now implementing training programs to help employees recognize and respond to manipulation. “It’s essential that businesses adopt proactive policies that emphasize accountability and open communication channels,” says Dr. Thompson. “Companies that fail to address this issue risk losing top talent and enduring costly legal disputes."

However, some organizations are taking it a step further by offering confidential support programs, including psychological counseling and conflict resolution services. These initiatives help to create a safety net for employees who may fear retaliation if they speak out.

Legal Implications of Gaslighting in the Workplace

As gaslighting becomes more widely recognized, some legal experts argue that there may be grounds for lawsuits if employees can demonstrate psychological harm caused by manipulation or deceit in the workplace. While gaslighting is not specifically categorized under labor laws, various legal frameworks—such as workplace harassment and discrimination laws—could be applied in cases where the manipulation leads to a hostile work environment or emotional distress.

Attorneys are increasingly advising clients to document instances of gaslighting in order to protect themselves and their careers. "In today’s legal environment, it’s crucial for employees to keep thorough records of any instance where they believe they’ve been misled, denied information, or unfairly blamed," says corporate attorney Linda Barnes.

A Path Forward: Cultivating Healthy Workplaces

To combat the rise of gaslighting, experts suggest that businesses focus on building healthier, more transparent workplaces where open communication and mutual respect are prioritized. This includes implementing regular feedback mechanisms, encouraging employee voices in decision-making processes, and setting clear expectations for leadership behavior.

Ultimately, combating corporate gaslighting requires a collective effort from both leaders and employees. When everyone from the CEO to the front-line staff understands the importance of creating a supportive and accountable work culture, organizations are far more likely to thrive—and employees will feel empowered, respected, and secure in their roles.