Confronting Toxicity in the Workplace

As an IT professional with over 15 years of experience, I have witnessed and endured various forms of toxic behaviour in the workplace. From arbitrary dress codes to outdated gender roles, these experiences have left me with deep emotional scars and PTSD. I believe it’s crucial to address these issues, not only to share my story but also to shed light on the importance of fostering a healthy work environment.

The Tattoo Taboo

One of the first instances of workplace toxicity I encountered was the stigma around tattoos. At a previous company, I was instructed to cover up my tattoos as they were deemed unprofessional. Being heavily tattooed, this meant wearing long sleeve shirts and trousers even during the sweltering summer months. It didn't matter how uncomfortable I was; appearances were prioritised over employee wellbeing. On top of that, having a beard led to being labelled as scruffy. This rigid mindset not only stifled individuality but also created an environment where superficial judgments overshadowed genuine skills and contributions.

Gender Roles and Family Responsibilities

Another distressing experience involved balancing work with family responsibilities. While working for a company where I needed to work from home to care for my baby, I was met with blatant sexism. My manager at the time told me that, since I earned more money than my wife, my job was more important and that she should be the one to look after our child. This antiquated view of gender roles was not only demeaning but also disregarded the importance of shared parenting responsibilities and the value of each parent’s career.

Dress Code Double Standards

I’ve always had a preference for wearing shorts, even in winter. However, in every job I’ve held, my request to wear shorts in the office was met with a resounding “no.” The justification was that shorts were unprofessional. This rigid adherence to traditional dress codes seemed nonsensical, especially when comfort and productivity could be improved by allowing more relaxed attire.

A Positive Turnaround

Given these experiences, it was with great scepticism that I approached my new job. To my surprise and relief, my current company has been a revelation. Tattoos? No problem. Family first? Absolutely, and my son is even welcome in the office. Beard? Not an issue. And the cherry on top – when I asked if I could wear shorts in the office, my manager responded with a cheerful “absolutely no problem.”

This progressive and inclusive approach has made a world of difference to me. It will take time to fully recover from my past traumas, but the supportive and flexible environment of my current workplace is a huge step in the right direction. I find myself frequently saying, “This company is brilliant to work for.”

Conclusion

Toxic behaviours in the workplace can have lasting impacts on employees’ mental health and wellbeing. It's crucial for companies to foster inclusive and supportive environments that value individuality and work-life balance. My current workplace stands as a testament to the positive changes that can occur when companies prioritize the wellbeing of their employees. Let's strive to make such environments the norm, not the exception.

Thank you for reading this edition of TechTalk. Together, we can work towards creating healthier, more supportive workplaces for everyone.