‘Toxicity at Workplace’

“Corporate culture matters, how management chooses to treat its people, impacts everything for better or worse” Simon Sinek

We spend a considerable part of our life at workplace. Whatever happens in the organization inevitably influences us, directly or indirectly. It impacts our peace of mind and overall wellbeing A nasty email from the superior or a verbal argument with a colleague spoils our weekend causing restlessness. We eat organic food and drink plenty of water to remove toxicity from our body. However, if the organizational culture remains toxic, it adversely affects our physical and mental health. It may make us anxious, sad and depressed.

In toxic culture, People:

a) Work against each other

b) Do backbiting

c) Play blame games

d) Steal credits

e) Focus more on impressing the boss

f) Abuse each other in public

g) Expose mistakes in public

h) Don’t give due credit of success to others

Does this sound familiar to you? Or Have you experienced it in your organization?

A few employees say that negativity flows from top to bottom. In many email communications, the bcc option is frequently used. New employees are not allowed to settle. People who are capable are not given good projects. However, people who do buttering get plenty of benefits. Due to toxic culture, people face health issues and some of them also fall into depression. If you refer to ‘glass door review’ or ‘great place to work’ you will not be able to believe their findings about toxic workplaces and their harmful impact on employees. It is found that 50% organizational communication involves gossiping or negative criticism of colleagues. As per New York Times ,75% employees say that their managers are the worst part of the day. 65% American employees say that they would prefer a new boss rather than pay rise. In toxic culture, talented people leave the organization, which adversely impact the organization’s productivity and brand image. Many innocent people have lost their jobs, increments and promotion due to the toxicity at workplace.

However, there are a few exceptions, some of the organizations with toxic culture, that have a monopoly product, or an automated plant, may not have a big impact for some time. Later on, in the long run they too have to bear the brunt of workplace toxicity.

Companies should look beyond employee satisfaction and engagement survey to assess the toxic culture. One must not ignore toxicity. It is actually important to be reviewed along with business results. As business results are periodically reviewed, in similar way, cultural aspects should be given priority. If cultural aspects are addressed properly, it is a great step towards supporting employee wellbeing. Employees will have a positive brand image of the company in their minds. The company will be truly a great place to work in letter and spirit.