CEO & Co-founder @ Butterfly 3ffect | Ex-Gymshark Head of Social (Global)
No Toxic Zone ????♂? As a leader, it's your job to protect your team from toxic behaviours — or better yet, prevent them from creeping in at all Dora Vanourek was bang on ???? The bar for a toxic work environment is lower than you might think. If you’re seeing any of the following, toxicity is already taking root: * Drama * Overwork * Bureaucracy * Office politics * Unfair policies * False urgencies * Meaningless tasks * Unrealistic deadlines * Constantly shifting priorities * Top-down micromanagement I’ll admit, I’ve seen one or two of these pop up both recently and in the past, thinking it was just part of the game. It’s tough, especially in the early stages of a business when everything feels urgent and resources are tight. Balancing it all can seem impossible, but it’s crucial to build with the end in mind. No perks can fix the damage caused by chronic overwork, unrealistic demands, and unclear paths. Your influence as a leader extends beyond the office; you shape your employees' well-being both at work and at home. Create a culture where high performance doesn’t mean burning people out. Instead of relying on quick fixes like meditation apps or therapy sessions, make sure your people feel seen, heard, and genuinely valued. Your team is a reflection of the environment you create. Start building the right one now, even if it’s challenging, so it supports them as your business grows. ??Dora Vanourek ??Eric Partaker