Many companies prioritize enhancing their monetary benefits as a strategy to attract and retain employees, thereby also appealing to the broader society. While this approach can indeed be effective in attracting talent, it often falls short in retaining employees when the company fails to address another crucial factor. However, if we do examine closely, there is a significant but overlooked factor: the toxicity of work environment.
What is the real meaning of the toxic of work environment?
Simply a “toxic work environment” describes a workplace where negative behaviours, attitudes, and dynamics harm employees’ well-being, morale, and productivity. Toxic work environment may encompass a bundle of harassment, discrimination, favoritism, micromanagement, lack of support of the management, lack of communication, bullying and also fear, stress, and distrust.
To assess this in real life, I conducted a poll via my LinkedIn account, where participants were asked to vote on the most common reason for leaving their jobs. The below findings overwhelmingly indicated that a toxic work environment is the leading cause of employee turnover.
A toxic work environment can significantly impact employees’ mental and physical health. This toxicity doesn’t remain confined to the office; it can follow employees everywhere, affecting their interactions at home with loved ones, friends, and their broader engagement with society in their day-to-day lives. The constant exposure to a toxic environment from every Monday to Friday can lead some individuals to become easily irritable, anxious, and perpetually stressed.
Furthermore, this will indirect affect the overall health of the business. When employees are discontent with the working environment, their productivity tends to decline, and they may actively seek alternative employment, leading to increased turnover rates. Consequently, the company faces the additional cost and effort of recruitment. Moreover, such circumstances can tarnish the company’s brand reputation and goodwill, ultimately impacting its standing in the market.
According to the Dr. Marina Theodoto, there are main 4 tactics which leaders can use to decrease toxicity and rebuild a supportive workplace.
Transforming a toxic workplace into a healthy and positive environment isn’t simple. It requires leaders to maintain consistent focus on the mentioned tactics, ensuring that these changes are not short-lived, but sustainable over time, extending beyond mere days, weeks or months. months. In doing so, companies can create environments where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to stay dedicated in the long run, thus fueling their success and progression.
