People spend a lot of time at work…In fact, the average person will spend a whopping 90,000 hours or 56% of their lifetime working. Many workers will spend more time with colleagues than they will with their family and friends so when they say, “life is short”, it is likely to be felt more acutely by those who are working in toxic workplace cultures.
The importance of a healthy and supportive work environment is something that can’t be overstated. Sadly, not all workplaces are hubs of harmony. Toxic workplace cultures, sometimes characterised by negativity, harassment, and a lack of respect, can have lasting and severe consequences on employees and organisations alike.
In this article, we will delve into the detrimental effects of toxic workplace cultures and highlight the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
Symptoms of a toxic workplace culture
The most obvious symptom of a toxic culture is a high turnover in staff. When people aren’t happy at work, when they feel scared, intimidated, or treated unfairly, they will leave. For the leaver, this may result in a lack of confidence going into a new role and, depending on the level and intensity of the negative workplace experience, emotional trauma.
For the organisation, a high number of leavers results in increased costs to recruit and retrain, as well as a decrease in knowledge and productivity which ultimately puts a strain on the rest of the team. MIT Sloan Management Review actually found that toxic workplace culture is 10.4 times more likely to contribute to an employee quitting than anything else.
When people are subjected to constant stress, pressure, anxiety or fear, their ability to concentrate and perform to the best of their ability is reduced. How counterproductive! Toxic environments hinder collaboration, creativity, and innovation because employees become preoccupied with self-preservation.
The toll on a person’s mental and physical health is clear too. Ill-health as a result of experiences in the workplace extend way beyond the confines of the office. Depression, anxiety, low self-worth, and burnout can impact on a person’s whole existence, including their social and family time. The physical effects are very real too, with many people experiencing headaches, digestive issues, and sleep disorders as a result.
A very unhappy meal
You may have read recently about the toxic work environment reported by employees of McDonalds, many of them teenage workers. If you haven’t, you can read about it here. Numerous allegations have been reportedly raised repeatedly and then dismissed by managers, with claims of physical and sexual harassment, sexism, racism, misogyny, and bigotry.
A few days after the BBC investigation was published, CEO Alistair Macrow, was forced to publish an apology along with his proposals to remedy the workplace culture. This is still available on the McDonald’s twitter page, with current and former employees responding in their droves, commenting with their negative experiences.
What is shows is that toxic workplaces cannot be contained or silenced, and the reputational damage is enormous. I mean, would you want to work for McDonalds now that you know teenagers complained about being groped? No. Brands can spend years building trust, only for the trust to be abated in seconds.
The (dis) loyalty card
This dovetails us neatly into loyalty. In toxic workplaces, people often feel undervalued and disengaged. When employees are not respected, their opinions are ignored, or they experience favouritism, their motivation to contribute to the organisation diminishes.
This lack of engagement can lead to a decline in work quality, reduced commitment, and an overall sense of apathy. In contrast, fostering a positive workplace culture that promotes respect, open communication, and recognition fosters employee loyalty, job satisfaction, and increased productivity.
Taking the step of looking for another role after you’ve experienced a toxic workplace can be hugely nerve wracking. You don’t want to get it wrong. At Think EQ, we have worked with leavers from many walks of life and we have found that these three top tips can help you make the right choice when you are looking for your next role:
- Do your research. Before joining a company, research its culture and work environment. Check online reviews, employee testimonials, and social media platforms to gain insights into the organisation’s values, leadership style, and employee satisfaction. Look for patterns of negative feedback or warning signs of toxicity. Glassdoor is a good place to start.
- Trust your instincts during the interview process: Pay attention to your gut feeling during interviews and interactions with potential colleagues and managers. If you notice any red flags, such as a lack of transparency, poor communication, or disinterested behaviour, take them seriously. Your initial impressions can often be telling.
- Observe employee interactions: If you’re visiting the workplace for an interview or during your onboarding, observe how employees interact with one another. Are they supportive and cooperative or do you notice signs of tension, gossip, or hostility? Are people smiling?
So, what’s the upshot of a toxic workplace culture?
Toxic workplace cultures have far-reaching consequences for both employees and organisations. They erode employee morale, hinder productivity, damage mental and physical health, tarnish an organisation’s reputation, and weaken employee engagement and loyalty.
Recognising and addressing toxic behaviours, promoting inclusivity and respect, and prioritising employee well-being are essential steps toward cultivating a healthy and thriving work environment. By investing in creating a positive workplace culture, organisations can not only enhance employee satisfaction but also drive long-term success and growth.
Bottom line, in a world of beastly big macs, be the friendly little nugget.
Want to know more about how we’re helping workplaces improve their cultures? Read our case studies.