Gaslighting at Work: Signs, Legal Rights & What to Do Next

Gaslighting at work is a subtle but damaging form of psychological manipulation. It can leave you questioning your reality, your memory, and even your sanity. This type of behaviour can be incredibly disruptive to your career and overall well-being.

Understanding the signs for this type of workplace behaviour and knowing your legal options are crucial steps you can take to address it. This article will explain how to recognize when it’s happening, what legal protections exist in Alberta, and the proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and your career.

If you are subjected to this type of treatment at work, you should connect with a Calgary constructive dismissal lawyer at Cashion Legal.

What Is Gaslighting at Work?

Definition and Manipulative Tactics

Gaslighting involves persistent manipulation that causes someone to doubt their perception, memory, or sanity. It’s an insidious form of psychological control, where the manipulator gradually convinces the target that their thoughts and feelings are invalid or incorrect.

This destructive behaviour is unfortunately common in toxic workplaces and can originate from various sources within an organization. It might come from a direct manager, a peer, a team lead, or even individuals within Human Resources.

Common examples of this type of behaviour include:

• Denying past events: Refusing to admit they said or did something, even if you have a clear recollection.
• Undermining your confidence: Consistently criticizing your work or questioning your abilities to do your job in an unfair or arbitrary manner.
• Isolating the target: Spreading rumours, excluding you from meetings, or turning colleagues against you, making you feel alone and unsupported.
• Minimizing your feelings: Telling you that you’re “too emotional” or “making a big deal out of nothing” when you express legitimate concerns.
• Twisting your words: Taking something you said and rephrasing it to change its meaning, then using it against you.

Signs You’re Being Gaslighted at Work

Key Red Flags and Behaviors

Recognizing this toxic issue can be challenging because of its subtle nature and gradual escalation. However, certain key indicators can signal that you may be experiencing this form of manipulation.

Pay attention if you notice these red flags in your workplace:

• You frequently second-guess yourself.
• You often apologize, even when it’s not warranted.
• Past agreements or conversations are denied or twisted.
• You feel increasingly isolated from colleagues.
• Your concerns are consistently dismissed without a valid reason.
• You feel disrespected or your contributions are minimized.

Legal Protections Against Workplace Gaslighting

Is it Considered Harassment?

These manipulative behaviours can be considered harassment or even discrimination under the following:

Alberta Employment Law

In Alberta employment law, gaslighting behaviours can fall under the definition of workplace harassment. This is especially true when the conduct involves repeated psychological abuse that can significantly impact an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. 

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Legislation

If this manipulation is ongoing and creates an offensive or unwelcome work environment, it may qualify as harassment under Alberta’s occupational health and safety legislation, which requires employers to provide a safe work environment both physically and psychologically.

Alberta Human Rights Act

This type of issue can also fall under harassment under Alberta’s Human Rights Act if it targets an employee based on a protected ground, such as their:

• Gender
• Race
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Age

In such cases, it could be considered a form of discrimination.

How to Take Action if You’re Being Gaslighted 

Protecting Yourself Legally and Professionally

If you suspect you are experiencing this at work, taking strategic steps is essential to protect your well-being, your career, and your legal position.

Start Documenting Everything

This is arguably the most critical step. Keep meticulous records of all incidents, including:

• Emails and messages: Save all electronic communications, including those that deny past conversations or twist your words.
• Detailed notes of verbal interactions: After any conversation where this occurs, immediately write down the date, time, location, who was present, and exactly what was said. Be as objective and factual as possible.
• Performance reviews or feedback: Keep copies of all performance reviews and any feedback you receive, especially if it contradicts the manipulator’s claims.
• Witnesses: Note if anyone else was present or might have overheard the interaction. 

Communicate Professionally

While this is incredibly frustrating and can be emotionally draining, try to remain calm and professional in your interactions.

• Respond with facts: When confronted with denials or twisted information, stick to the facts. You might say, “My understanding of our conversation on [date] was X,” or “My notes from that meeting indicate Y.”
• Limit one-on-one interactions: If possible, try to have a third party present during crucial conversations, or communicate through email to create a written record.

Consult an Employment Lawyer

Before making any significant decisions, such as resigning or filing a formal complaint, it is highly advisable to seek legal advice. An employment lawyer can:

• Assess your specific situation under Alberta employment law.
• Explain your rights and potential legal avenues.
• Help you strategize the best course of action for your unique circumstances.

How Cashion Legal Can Help

Dealing with workplace issues can be incredibly stressful, and navigating the legal landscape on your own can feel overwhelming. This is where professional legal support becomes invaluable.

Legal Support for Gaslighting Cases

When you work with an employment lawyer from Cashion Legal, we can help you:

Assess Your Situation for Potential Legal Claims

We meticulously review your documented incidents and circumstances to determine if your case qualifies for legal claims. This may include:

• Assessing whether the persistent psychological manipulation constitutes harassment under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety legislation or discrimination under Alberta’s Human Rights Act.
• Evaluating if the employer’s actions have created an intolerable work environment, effectively forcing you to resign, which could be legally considered constructive dismissal.

Take Over Communications With Your Employer

If necessary, we can step in to manage all direct communication with your employer. This can help:

• Reduce your personal stress and emotional burden.
• Ensure all communications are professional, precise, and legally sound.
• Signal to your employer that you are taking the matter seriously.

Craft a Personalized Legal Strategy

Every situation is unique. We develop a clear, strategic plan tailored to your specific circumstances, aiming to:

• Ensure your rights are protected by upholding your entitlements under Alberta employment law.
• Safeguard your mental health and peace of mind by taking on the legal complexities and allowing you to focus on your well-being.

Get your career back on track by finding a resolution that allows you to move forward positively in your professional life, whether that involves remaining in your current role under improved conditions or transitioning to a new opportunity with appropriate compensation.

Common Misconceptions About Workplace Gaslighting

This type of issue is often misunderstood, leading many to underestimate its severity or believe they have no recourse. Here are some common misconceptions and why they don’t apply when dealing with this serious workplace issue.

“It’s Not That Serious”

While it doesn’t involve physical harm, the repeated psychological manipulation can have profound and lasting impacts on an individual’s mental health, career, and overall well-being. The emotional and psychological toll can include severe anxiety, depression, loss of self-confidence, and even physical symptoms due to stress.

“It’s Just a Misunderstanding”

While miscommunications can happen in any workplace, this is fundamentally different. It is a deliberate and patterned behaviour involving a consistent and calculated effort to distort reality, deny facts, and undermine a person’s perceptions. It’s about a series of manipulative actions, not an isolated incident of miscommunication.

“It’s Too Late to Do Anything”

Even if you have already left your job, or if a significant amount of time has passed, it might not be too late to seek legal recourse. While there are limitation periods for bringing legal claims, an employment lawyer can assess your specific timeline and determine the best course of action.

Why Legal Advice Matters

Dealing with workplace gaslighting can be an isolating and confusing experience. Seeking legal advice can provide the critical support you need to navigate this challenging situation effectively.

Peace of Mind – Support You Can Trust

• Empathetic Guidance: We understand how difficult this can be and approach your case with the sensitivity and respect you deserve.
• Confident Steps Forward: With legal guidance, you gain confidence in how to manage interactions, protect your well-being, and move forward.

Clarity – Understanding Your Rights

• No Guesswork: We clarify your rights and potential avenues for recourse, empowering you with accurate information rather than assumptions.
• A Clear Path: You will understand the legal implications of the situation you’re experiencing and the available processes to address it.

Strategy – A Tailored Plan Forward

• Personalized Legal Strategy: We work closely with you to develop a strategic plan tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.
• Career Next Steps: We provide clear options to help you confidently navigate your career path and professional future.

If you’re experiencing gaslighting at work, don’t ignore the signs. Connect with a Calgary employment lawyer.

Book a consultation with Cashion Legal to protect your rights and wellbeing.

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