How Tough is the Work World?

More than one in five people report having worked in a toxic workplace, but if you ask a group what defines a toxic environment, you'll hear a wide range of answers:

• "People were out for themselves."

• "The pressure was relentless."

• "I never felt like I belonged."

• "Who you knew mattered more than what you did."

So, what really makes a workplace toxic?

Research identifies five key traits—the “Toxic Five”—that commonly describe a harmful workplace: disrespectful, non-inclusive, unethical, cutthroat, and abusive. While all of these are damaging, disrespect is the most harmful and pervasive factor.

The risks of working in a toxic environment are significant. People are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Toxic workplaces also increase the risk of physical health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and other serious conditions.

The Long Reach of Leadership

When it comes to transforming a toxic workplace, leaders play a pivotal role. In fact, leaders have up to 250% more influence on the work environment than any other factor.

This means that leaders can shape the atmosphere in a way that either exacerbates or alleviates toxicity. With the right approach, leaders can even turn a difficult environment into a supportive one. It’s not easy, but research shows that a strong leader can help mitigate even the most challenging work conditions.

Toxic workplaces can lead to poor productivity, high turnover, and low morale, making it nearly impossible to achieve peak employee performance.

7 Ways to Detoxify the Workplace

1. Role Model Desired Behavior: Leaders should set the example by embodying the behaviors they wish to see in their team. People often mimic their superiors’ actions and attitudes, so if you want to eliminate toxic behavior, model the positive behavior you expect.
   
   

2. Foster Civility: Civility is a powerful antidote to toxicity. When employees are treated with respect, they work harder, share information, seek guidance, and are inspired to perform well. In contrast, toxicity breeds disengagement and dishonesty. A simple kind word can go a long way.
   
   

3. Embrace Inclusion: Many people feel excluded at work and often "identity cover" something about themselves. Leaders can change this by creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and appreciated for who they are.
   
   

4. Establish New Norms: Invite team members to share their concerns and suggestions about workplace culture. If they’re uncomfortable speaking openly, conduct an anonymous survey to gather their input. Use the results to create new behavioral norms and hold everyone accountable.
   
   

5. Build Trust: A lack of trust is common in toxic workplaces. Leaders must prioritize building and repairing trust with their team. This involves being transparent, keeping promises, and creating an environment where employees feel safe and supported.
   
   

6. Offer Frequent Praise: In many toxic environments, praise is rare. Leaders should take the time to acknowledge and publicly celebrate team members for their accomplishments. Regular recognition boosts morale and helps combat the negativity of a toxic culture.
   
   

7. Open Communication Channels: Employees in toxic workplaces often adopt a defensive stance, keeping their heads down and avoiding conflict. Leaders should establish safe spaces for employees to share concerns and frustrations, either through confidential discussions or anonymous surveys. Encouraging open dialogue is crucial for addressing issues before they escalate.
   
   

Detoxifying a toxic workplace is no easy task, and it’s unrealistic to think it can be done overnight. However, the fact remains that leaders have more power than they may realize to make a positive impact. With the right approach, a dedicated leader can transform even the most challenging work environment into one of decency, engagement, and high performance.