Navigating Red Flags: A Phenomenological Exploration of Business Process Outsourcing Employees’ Experiences in the Workplace

This study delved into the lived experiences of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) employees in toxic workplaces, emphasizing emotional, psychological, and interpersonal dimensions. Using hermeneutic phenomenology, data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. The findings emphasized the significance of positive workplace relationships and culture in stress management and addressed practical challenges with achieving work-life balance. The integration of personal values with the work setting is deemed influential, highlighting the importance of recognition and support. Several coping strategies were revealed, with an emphasis on maintaining a positive mentality and finding external support. Individual resilience and social support are essential factors in mitigating the negative effects of workplace toxicity. The implications consist of creating healthy workplace environments and implementing policies that foster employee productivity and well-being. This study lays the foundation for future research on toxic workplace dynamics and intervention efficiency, expanding on theoretical frameworks on organizational behavior, coping techniques, and workplace stress.