Recognising a toxic work culture
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With senior executives at ITV defending their work culture against allegations of bullying, trauma and discrimination, allegations of bullying against Dominic Raab and of misconduct at the CBI, workplace toxicity has never been so high-profile. And recent research shows that these problems are a lot more common than you might think. In the US, around 30 million or one in nine workers consider their workplace toxic according to research from MIT Sloan School of Management, with the three main factors creating toxic cultures being bad leadership, toxic social norms, and poorly designed job roles.
These unhealthy and negative workplace environments can have detrimental effects on employees' well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity and are characterised by various negative behaviours, practices, and attitudes that hinder collaboration, growth, and a sense of belonging. So, if you’re looking to move jobs, what are the signs that an organisation is ‘toxic’?
1. High employee turnover: A consistently high turnover rate may be an indication of a toxic work culture. People tend to leave in search of a healthier environment.
2. Lack of trust and transparency: In a toxic work culture, there is often a lack of trust and transparency between management and employees. Important information is withheld, decisions are made without consultation, and communication is inconsistent or one-sided.
3. Negative and gossip-filled environment: A toxic work culture often fosters negativity and gossip. If you frequently hear employees complaining, engaging in office politics, or spreading rumours, it suggests an unhealthy atmosphere.
4. Micromanagement and lack of autonomy: If employees are excessively micromanaged and not given the autonomy to make decisions and contribute their ideas, it can indicate a lack of trust and a toxic work culture. Micromanagement can lead to feelings of frustration, disempowerment, and decreased job satisfaction.
5. Lack of work-life balance: When work-life balance is disregarded, and employees are expected to work long hours consistently or are discouraged from taking time off, it can contribute to burnout and negatively impact well-being.
6. Bullying or harassment: Any form of bullying, harassment, or discrimination within the workplace is a clear indication of a toxic work culture. This can include verbal abuse, insults, belittlement, or any behaviour that creates a hostile work environment.
7. Lack of recognition and appreciation: In a toxic work culture, employees' efforts and achievements are often overlooked or undervalued which can lead to demotivation and decreased morale.
8. Fear-based management: When fear and intimidation tactics are used to manage employees, it indicates a toxic work culture. Fear-based management can include threats of job loss, public humiliation, or unfair treatment.
9. Resistance to feedback and change: Toxic work cultures often resist feedback and change. If suggestions for improvement are dismissed or met with hostility, and the organisation remains stagnant in its processes and practices, it suggests an unhealthy work culture.
10. Physical and mental health issues: A toxic work culture can contribute to physical and mental health problems among employees. Increased stress levels, anxiety, depression, and physical ailments like headaches or sleep disorders may be prevalent.
Toxic workplaces are psychologically, emotionally, and physically draining so it’s best to avoid them completely. They can be difficult to spot though as the recruitment process puts leaders and teams on their best behaviour but research about the company prior to the interview and looking for the warning signs during the interview process could provide a heads-up. Asking specific questions about work culture, expectations, employee turnover and workload and if possible, talking to current employees to get their perspective should also help avoid getting pulled in.