Working in a Toxic Work Culture? Who Is Responsible?

Toxic environments have become a culture in corporate world. I don't think there is a single organization where this toxic environment is not present. In any form, you will find a toxic environment somewhere. The organizations that claim to have zero politics or a toxic free environment often exhibit the opposite. Beware of organizations that boast "Best Place Certified" banners on their company buildings or websites. Many of these certifications are fake, and the reality is quite different.

Now the question arises:

Who is responsible for creating this toxic environment within the organization?

?? The CEO or head of the company

?? The HR or Management

?? The seniors or leadership

?? The juniors or freshers

I don't blame a single person, but in some form, we all are responsible for this.

HR or senior management creates strategies or policies to run the organization under the direction of the CEO or MD. During the formulation of new policies, HR plays an important role. In the initial stage, some policies may be against employees or detrimental to company culture, but HR does not take initiative against these policies as directed by the company director or CEO because they value their salaries. In some cases, I have seen the HR department suggest policies themselves to gain favor from the head of the company.

Other senior persons are also involved in preparing company policies. Very few raise their voices if something is wrong; most of the senior or leadership team want to gain favor from the head of the company.

Freshers, juniors, or mid-career professionals don't have the right to speak against company policies. They lack the courage to speak out. They just follow whatever they are asked to follow by their seniors.

So, in some form, we all are equally responsible for creating a toxic environment and for keeping it ongoing.

But the question is:

Why should you work in a toxic environment?

You might argue that you have a lot of family responsibilities and need to earn money to survive. I agree that family responsibilities are important, but this is not the correct reason.

The correct reason is that you don't have the right set of skills, or if you do, you don't have confidence in your skills or yourself. You lack confidence and fear losing your job. You don't have the capabilities to make your own decisions in your career or life. That's why you keep listening to your boss, even if you are right. If your boss says, "Today I saw the sun rise from the west," you will say, "Yes, sir, you are absolutely correct."

Why should you always follow your boss or senior?

I am not saying you should not follow or respect your seniors. What I want to say is do not follow blindly. They are not GOD. If you have skills, many seniors or bosses will ask you to join their team.

In conclusion, you are the person responsible for the toxic environment within the organization. If everyone understands this simple thing, together we can gradually improve corporate culture.

Overall, my intention is to improve our corporate culture, not to hurt anyone. If someone feels bad, I apologize. You might disagree with my thinking and have different points of view.

I respect your thoughts and ideas. If you have any suggestions or ideas on how we can improve our corporate culture, please mention them in the comment box.

If you are someone who wants to discuss this topic and provide suggestions on how we can improve this culture, I am ready to discuss. Just say hi, and I will connect with you soon.