How to Identify a Toxic Work Culture

In recent years, a lot of attention has been placed on workplace culture. This refers to shared beliefs and civility in the workplace. When people get along and enjoy the work they do, they tend to be happier and more productive. A healthy culture keeps workers around, while a toxic one makes them unhappy and eventually drives them away.

Many organizations feel as though their workplace culture has improved since the coronavirus pandemic. Workers are not so sure. Maybe the workplace is toxic or maybe they are just burned out from the pandemic. How can they know for sure? Here are some signs that your workplace is toxic.

Bad Attitudes

It is common for employees to have bad days once in a while, but when there is never any enthusiasm at all, it can make the workplace gloomy. A poor attitude also impacts productivity, with more than 90% of workers claiming that it makes them less productive.

Fear of Failure

A bad attitude can worsen and even result in a fear of failure. While it is normal to not want to make a mistake at work, when this attitude turns into a paralyzing fear, it is often because the employee is scared of the repercussions. Workers should be free to take risks and step out of their comfort zones to some degree. When it is the same old thing every day, the workplace can become toxic. 

There is So Much Drama

In many workplaces, there are one or two co-workers who like to constantly start drama. But what is shocking is that a whopping 96% of workers participate in office gossip to some degree. Office drama and gossip is not harmful. In fact, they can even lead to workplace bullying and create a hostile work environment. 

Everyone Seems Confused

A toxic work culture may involve a lack of communication. When nobody seems to know what is going on from one moment to the next, it makes it hard to work together. Collaboration and team projects suffer, which means that work relationships can also take a nosedive. 

What to Do Next

Before you start looking for a new job, try these tips for a more positive workplace:

• Find a support system of friendly co-workers who can serve as your allies.
• Focus on things you can control and change.
• Speak up and offer feedback in reviews and surveys so that management is made aware.

Contact a Newark Employment Attorney

While a job may not be all fun and games all the time, there should be positivity in the workplace. If workers feel sick at the thought of going into the office, then there’s some degree of toxicity going on that needs to be addressed.

Are you working in a hostile or toxic environment? If so, contact the employment law attorneys at Marshall Forman & Schlein. We can assess your situation and advise you of any further steps you can legally take. Call our office or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.