Subtle Signs Your Workplace Culture is Unhealthy?

A toxic workplace can have a detrimental effect on employee morale and retention, leading to decreased productivity, increased stress levels and physical ailments, and a negative work environment. Obvious signs of a toxic workplace are easy to spot but it’s sometimes the sneaky, subtle actions of peers and supervisors that create an undercurrent of toxicity that will erode employee loyalty and cultivate a burnout culture.?

So, what are the more subtle signs of a devolving culture and how can you stop them from making your company a revolving door of talent??

Lack of Transparency and Secrecy. Sometimes more is said in the absence of information than in any corporate email or meeting. When information is withheld, decisions are made without employee input, and feedback is disregarded, employees get frustrated and create their own narrative, which is usually negative. Lack of transparency creates an undercurrent of mistrust and disengagement among employees, leading to decreased morale and a higher turnover. It sounds cliché but there can never be too much communication. Even when you don’t have a lot to say – it’s important to keep people as informed as possible, especially in times of change.?

Excessive Micromanagement. Micromanagement is a clear sign of a toxic workplace. When employees are constantly monitored, their autonomy and creativity are stifled. This hampers job satisfaction and decreases confidence and motivation, ultimately leading to burnout and a desire to seek employment elsewhere. Give people freedom within a reasonable framework. Schedule regular check-ins but allow your team to do their work without feeling as if you don’t trust them.?

Exclusion and cliques. Toxic workplaces can foster bullying and harassment, in some obvious ways like verbal abuse but what you may not have noticed are subtle exclusionary behaviors that can make employees feel isolated and unsupported. Things like leaving employees out of meetings and events, ignoring ideas and contributions, gossiping, and other passive-aggressive behaviors. This conduct not only damages employee morale but also creates a toxic culture that drives away talented individuals. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to put a stop to this kind of behavior. Ensure everyone is included in employee events and pay attention to who is leading projects and creating teams to ensure cliques aren’t forming,??

Grind culture. When employees continuously go above and beyond, pick up the slack, and take on more work, without any appreciation, it can significantly impact morale and job satisfaction. And, if there are no signs of the “grind” ever ending, it is a fast track to occupational exhaustion, demotivation, and burnout. Lead by example – set boundaries, review workloads regularly, provide additional resources and support, and take your PTO. Your team needs to see that you are taking steps to provide more work-life support.?

Recognizing the more subtle signs of a toxic workplace is not as easy as the obvious behaviors but it is just as detrimental to a workplace.? An unhealthy work environment can have severe consequences on employee morale and retention, leading to decreased productivity, increased stress levels, and a negative culture. And you will be in a constant cycle of recruiting and hiring.??

By fostering transparency, empowering employees to achieve, addressing issues of exclusion and bullying, and focusing on work-life integration, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that enhances employee morale and retention.??

Remember, a healthy workplace is the foundation for success and growth for both individuals and organizations.

Would you like to make sure your workplace culture is healthy? Schedule a free workplace wellness strategy session and let’s talk!?