7 signs of a toxic culture
August 4, 2017 11:19 AM
7 signs of a toxic culture
If employees dread Fridays just as much as Mondays, there may be some toxic stew cooking in the kitchen, says Bernard Marr, an expert in strategy, performance management, analytics, KPIs and big data. Marr points out some of the more easily missed warning signs of a poisonous working environment – red flags benefit and HR decision-makers should be aware of.
[Image credit: Fotolia]
[Image credit: Fotolia]
Dysfunctional relationships
There are always going to be multiple personalities in an office, but sometimes the combination can result in a toxic environment, creating gossip, cliquish behaviors, favoritism and unwarranted criticisms.
[Image credit: Fotolia]
[Image credit: Fotolia]
Pervasive poor communication
Maintaining a high level of communication is one of the keys to a pleasant working environment. A workplace where employees get little to no feedback, or where bosses and co-workers are excessively cold and distant, can be a toxic environment.
[Image credit: Fotolia]
[Image credit: Fotolia]
Blatant unfairness
The common phrase nobody ever said life was fair may be heard from time to time, but if a manager treats employees radically different think idea theft, pointing fingers the workplace environment may be toxic.
[Image credit: Fotolia]
[Image credit: Fotolia]
Chronic high stress
While there are many work environments that are prone to high stress, there should still be limits. If employees are routinely exposed to high stress situations with no opportunity for down time, that too can lead to a more toxic atmosphere.
[Image credit: Fotolia]
[Image credit: Fotolia]
Abusive bosses or co-workers
The obvious should never be tolerated in a workplace: sexual harassment, racism, sexism, ageism
but keep an eye on other emotions that may also lead to a highly volatile atmosphere, including high aggression, intimidation, unreasonable expectations or blatant lack of empathy.
[Image credit: Fotolia]
[Image credit: Fotolia]
Immoral or illegal activities
If something the company or an individual is doing is wrong, employees dont have to be a part of it. Marr notes: The person watching a crime happen can be just as culpable as the person committing it.
[Image credit: Fotolia]
[Image credit: Fotolia]
Physical danger
If employees are put at risk due to unsafe working conditions, they should leave ASAP. No job is worth your life or long-term health.
[Image credit: Fotolia]
[Image credit: Fotolia]
