Is your workplace a breeding ground for anxiety, stress?

Imagine a workplace where fear silences voices, creativity is stifled and productivity plummets. This is the reality for many workplaces, and the source of the toxicity might be closer than you think.

While countless articles and books offer guidance on navigating toxic colleagues and bosses, few encourage us to turn the mirror inward. Could you be contributing to the problem? Could you be the source of the toxicity?

It’s easy to point fingers at others, but true change begins with self-reflection. Last month on World Mental Health Day, the theme of ‘Mental Health at Work’ highlighted the urgent need to address well-being in our workplaces. But beyond awareness days and slogans, we must assess our own contributions to the problem. Let’s explore some critical signs that might reveal if you, as a leader, are inadvertently fostering a toxic atmosphere:

Do people resort to half-truths around you? If your team members often share half-truths or outright lies when you seek answers, they may feel uncomfortable being honest with you. This is a sign that, as a leader, you may need to build confidence in your team and create an environment where people feel safe to express themselves openly.

Do you instill fear? If people avoid your presence or seem fearful around you, it may be a sign that your approach feels intimidating or unapproachable. Leadership is not about exerting authority through threats; assignments should be clearly communicated, with expectations outlined constructively.

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If your communication style relies on threats or criticism, your staff will be afraid of you and this will hinder productivity and innovation among them, thereby reducing their effectiveness.
Is work often incomplete or poorly done? If assignments are consistently poorly executed or incomplete, it could point to low morale or lack of clarity in your team. Overloaded schedules or lack of resources may also contribute.

Is there constant conflict or mistrust? A workplace rife with conflict and mistrust reflects ineffective leadership. If teams are constantly at odds, it signals a lack of cohesion and a failure to foster collaboration. Leaders must be skilled mediators, promoting unity and resolving conflicts constructively.

Do you exhibit favouritism? Favouritism is a subtle but common toxic trait. It can appear as favouring certain team members while ignoring others. Those who are overlooked suffer from loss of confidence, which leads to demotivation, further perpetuating a cycle of discontent and disengagement. Effective leaders should value each team member and provide opportunities for everyone to shine.

In today’s workplace, communication should flow both ways. Dismissing feedback, especially critical feedback, creates a toxic environment where voices are silenced. Communication channels should be top- down and bottom-up to strengthen team trust. Leaders must actively solicit feedback and create channels for open dialogue.
Our workplaces are where we spend a significant part of our lives, making it crucial to ensure they are positive and productive environments. A healthy workplace boosts productivity, sparks creativity, reduces turnover, and enhances job satisfaction, thereby fostering well-being and fulfilment.

-The writer is a Human Resource Practitioner. [email protected]