Today, I want to discuss an important topic that causes significant suffering in the workplace: toxicity.
First, a toxic work environment is “one where negative behaviors—such as manipulation, bullying, yelling, and so on—are so intrinsic to the culture of the organization that a lack of productivity, a lack of trust, high stress levels, infighting, and discrimination become the norm.”
1. What Are the Impacts of a Toxic Workplace?
A toxic work environment has a detrimental effect on psychological safety and mental health. In the UK, the Toxic Workplace Report 2023 by Oak Engage revealed that:
87% of employees agree that a toxic workplace culture has negatively impacted their mental health.
73% of employees agree that a toxic workplace culture has contributed to their burnout.
Additionally, it significantly affects employee retention, organizational productivity, and viability. The same survey reported that 61% of employees have resigned due to workplace culture issues. In Belgium, a poll by Robert Walters showed that 47% of Belgian employees decided to "rage-apply" due to a toxic workplace culture. In the US, the report "The High Cost of a Toxic Workplace Culture" (2019) indicated that turnover due to culture may have cost organizations as much as $223 billion over the past five years.
2. What Are the Reasons Behind a Toxic Work Culture?
Toxic work cultures can stem from various factors, including:
Micromanagement
Lack of alignment between
Unclear communication
Office cliques and gossips, which undermine psychological safety and self-esteem
Non-inclusive environments
Strong hierarchical structures
3. How to Improve a Toxic Work Environment?
Here are 7 ways to help your organization switch from a toxic to a positive work environment.
1. People First Build a culture that prioritizes people, aiming to support employees and help them feel more connected to the organization.
2. Get feedback Frequent check-ins through anonymous feedback surveys with employees can help identify issues early and foster a supportive environment.
3. Release Toxicity Create spaces of emotional & toxic release. Such spaces enable employees to release their emotional charges and welcome more positivity, teamwork, and growth to shift the energy from gossip to positivity.
4. Ensure Role Models Embody the Company Culture Leaders should exemplify the company's values and culture, serving as role models for others.
5. Be Clear on the Company’s Vision, Mission, and Values Clarity on the company’s purpose and alignment helps prevent gossip and toxicity.
6. Increase the Level of Consciousness Support the development of soft skills and increase awareness to help employees set boundaries and break the cycle of toxicity.
7. Provide training to managers There are various styles of management and skills to develop when growing as a manager. Support the managers by providing them with training, coaching, and mentoring. Training programs such as managing new generations, giving feedback, developing your leadership, improving emotional intelligence, etc. prove to have a high ROI for organizations.
8. Promote Inclusion Foster an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and respected.
By focusing on these strategies, organizations can create healthier, more productive and innovative workplaces where employees and the organization thrive.
Need support in addressing toxicity within your organization?
Dounia ZELLOU, founder & CEO of HUMANAYA, a Paris-based training, consulting, and coaching company, supports organizations in empowering human development through art, movement, and sciences. For more information, feel free to reach out.
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