By Gary Goh
A toxic work environment is a common problem these days.
The attributes that create a toxic work environment are:
• Disrespectful
• Non-inclusive
• Unethical
• Cutthroat
• Abusive
In my career spanning over 38 years in diverse industries, I have seen a toxic culture is caused by the following:
Leadership: There is no getting around it. It starts at the top. A leader behaviour drives the culture. If a leader does not focus on the right things, chances are, no one else will either.
Promoting based on wrong criteria: I have seen many examples in my career whereby people who are pleasers to bosses and good talkers transitioning to terrible people managers and leaders.
It’s a realistic world out there. It’s who you know and not what you know.
Accountability: Being made a leader of people is a responsibility not to be taken lightly, and it is extremely important that people are taught what is expected of them and then held accountable for their actions.
The reality is that bad leaders will take your credit for your work and push responsibilities and accountabilities to you when things go wrong.
The following inappropriate behaviour can be found in a toxic work environment.
• Sexual harassment
• Discrimination
• Workplace bullying
• Victimising, humiliating, intimidating or threatening team members
• Rumours
• Verbal abuse
• Vandalizing personal belongings
• Sabotaging work
• Spreading malicious rumours
• Aggressive / threatening gestures
• Personal attacks
• Abuse of power/authority
• Isolation/alienation of team members
A toxic work culture has a serious impact on an organisation bottom line with the following consequences:
• It makes it difficult to attract and keep talent
• It leads to disengaged team
• High staff turnover and associated recruitment and training costs
• Low morale and motivation
• Increased absenteeism
• Lost productivity
• Disruption to work when complex complaints are being investigated
• Costs associated with counselling, mediation and support
• Costly workers’ compensation claims or legal action, and
• Damage to the reputation of the business
Here are some practical tips for dealing with a toxic work environment.
• Take your lunch break elsewhere where you can get out of the work environment.
• Set boundaries: Don’t get bullied into skipping your lunch break or working after hours for no pay. Explain to your boss that you need your breaks and time off to recharge and do your job well.
• Don’t get involved in the drama: Try to walk away from any drama or gossip. Nothing positive will come from it.
• Stay focused on your goals: Do your best to stay in a positive state of mind. You won’t be here forever, and you have bigger and better things ahead of you.
• Plan your exit: If the toxic work situation isn’t going to improve anytime soon, start your search for a new position. Find an employer that supports your mental health.
This article was contributed by Emeritus Professor Gary Goh, who is an Author, Educator and Entrepreneur.