Toxic company culture is the number one reason employees quit their jobs last year. An end-of-year survey by FlexJobs found that 25% of the workforce quit in 2022 for this reason, and another one-third thought about leaving due to a toxic work environment. What is a toxic work environment? Is quitting the only option? What can you do about a toxic work culture?
Navigating the Challenges of a Toxic Work Environment
What is a Toxic Work Environment?
A toxic work environment features a culture where the conditions can harm the employees' well-being or safety. This can include:
- Bullying or harassment
- Discrimination
- Unfair or excessive workloads
- Lack of resources or support
- Poor communication or a lack of transparency
- Inadequate safety measures
- An unsupportive or negative company culture
If you find yourself in a workplace environment that makes you uncomfortable, it may feel like you’re stuck. This next section will provide actionable tips to help you regain control of the situation.
How Can You Improve a Toxic Work Culture?
If you’re employed in a toxic workplace, there are a few things you can do right now to try to improve the situation:
- Document the problem by recording specific incidents and how they made you feel. Documentation is helpful if you need to report the situation to an employer or take legal action later on.
- Talk to your boss or HR, particularly if the toxicity relates to a specific person or situation. Sometimes your boss is the problem, in which case HR can help.
- Seek help from your support network. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about your experiences in the toxic workplace. They can offer emotional support and strategies for untangling the situation.
- Prioritize taking care of yourself. Make sure you put yourself first when working in a stressful, toxic environment. Taking care of yourself may mean taking a walk over lunch or learning to set boundaries with colleagues. It may even mean finding a new job.
- Think rationally and consider all your options. If you’ve tried these or other coping mechanisms that aren’t working, it’s time to put emotion aside and think clearly about your next steps. It’s never worth sacrificing your well-being to stay in a toxic work environment. That’s where People Plus can help.
Looking for a Work Culture Right for You?
Toxic work environments lead to emotional and physical stress for employees and can affect their job performance and productivity. At People Plus, we put our people first. We know that employers must create a positive, supportive work environment to retain employees. If you’re in a toxic work culture, you have options. Talk with our team today to find out how we can help.