Rejection in the workplace is an unavoidable reality that every employee will have to face at some point in their career. From being passed over for a promotion to not getting along with a colleague, rejection can take many forms.

Regardless of the situation, rejection can be difficult to handle and can affect an individual’s mental well-being, specifically the brain.

What Happens to the Brain When We Experience Rejection?

The human brain is a remarkable organ capable of processing complex emotions and regulating behavior. When we experience rejection, several areas of the brain are activated including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the ventral striatum (VS).

The ACC is responsible for processing emotional information and detecting conflicts between our emotions and actions.

When we are rejected, the ACC is activated and begins to communicate with other parts of the brain associated with social pain and rejection, such as the insula and the amygdala. This activation can lead to feelings of emotional distress, pain, and sadness.

The VS, on the other hand, is responsible for processing rewards and motivation. It is activated when we experience positive experiences such as receiving a compliment or accomplishing a goal.

However, when we are rejected, the VS can become deactivated, leading to a decrease in motivation and a decrease in the ability to experience pleasure or feelings of success.

How Does the Brain Handle Minor Rejections?

Minor rejections in the workplace, such as not being chosen for a project or having a colleague disagree with our opinion, typically do not have a significant impact on the brain.

The brain is capable of distinguishing between a minor rejection and a major rejection and will only activate the areas associated with social pain and rejection when a significant event occurs.

However, if an individual experiences a series of minor rejections over an extended period, it can lead to a cumulative impact on the brain, leading to feelings of self-doubt, low self-esteem, and depression.

How Does the Brain Handle Major Rejections?

Major rejections in the workplace, such as being fired or being passed over for a promotion, can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental well-being and the brain’s functioning.

The areas associated with social pain and rejection are activated, leading to feelings of emotional distress, pain, and sadness.

Additionally, major rejections can lead to a decrease in motivation and a decrease in the ability to experience pleasure or feelings of success.

This can lead to a cycle of negative self-talk and self-doubt, further impacting an individual’s mental well-being.

How Can Individuals Overcome Rejection in the Workplace?

Overcoming rejection in the workplace can be difficult but is essential for an individual’s mental well-being and success in their career. Here are some ways individuals can overcome rejection in the workplace:.

Focus on the Positive

Instead of dwelling on the rejection, focus on the positive aspects of the situation. For example, if you did not get chosen for a project, focus on the skills you learned and the relationships you built while working on other projects.

Take a Break

If the rejection is significant, take a break to process your emotions and clear your mind. This can help break the cycle of negative self-talk and give you a fresh perspective on the situation.

Develop a Growth Mindset

Instead of seeing rejection as a personal failure, develop a growth mindset and view rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow.

For example, if you did not get a promotion, use the experience to identify areas where you can improve and develop new skills.

Build a Support System

Building a support system can help individuals cope with rejection in the workplace. This support system can include friends, family members, or colleagues who can provide emotional support and help boost their confidence.

Conclusion

Rejection in the workplace is an unavoidable reality, but it does not have to define an individual’s career or mental well-being.

By understanding how the brain handles rejection and developing coping strategies, individuals can overcome rejection and achieve success in their career.