A few years ago, Airabel Amarante, now Generalist People Partner at CriticalRiver in the Philippines, found herself navigating a workplace environment that tested her resilience both professionally and personally. As a breadwinner in the family, the decision to quit a steady income and look for a new job was not easy. She convinced herself to continue, hoping that workplace environment would improve.

“Some supervisors I worked with were unprofessional and made the environment so stressful that you just wanted the day to be over the moment it started,” said Airabel, recalling the time when she had started questioning herself, “Was I failing to do my job?”

A toxic workplace environment can have a negative impact on an employee at a personal level too. It does not just lower your morale, but also negatively affects your health, personal life, and career growth, says Airabel.

She is grateful that she took the leap and joined CriticalRiver, where she found mutual respect, transparency, shared values, and the opportunity to chart her own path.

“Everyone’s journey is different and unique. Sometimes just showing up, staying strong, and trying again is a big win. At CriticalRiver, mistakes are steppingstones. That is how we grow,” she said.

Airabel thinks CriticalRiver’s ethos comes from right leadership – leaders who uplift you and not diminish. “Here you do not doubt your worth. Even if you feel a bit behind, your pace is just right,” she said.