How to Tell If Your Workplace is Toxic (and How to Fix It)

"Toxic" is a word we hear a lot these days, but when it’s used to describe a workplace, it’s a serious issue. A toxic work environment can cause many problems that hurt your business. That’s why it’s important to make sure your company has a positive, healthy atmosphere.

Let’s talk about how to recognize if your workplace is toxic and how to fix it.

Signs of a Toxic Workplace

There are several warning signs of a toxic work environment. If any of these sound familiar, it’s a good idea to take action:

• Lack of participation - If your team isn’t speaking up or seems eager for the workday to end, it could mean they’re afraid of being criticized or just aren’t engaged.
• Gossip and conflict - A little workplace chat is normal, but when it turns into gossip and passive-aggressive behavior, it’s a sign of a toxic environment. This often happens in overly competitive workplaces.
• Poor communication - When people aren’t communicating, or management isn’t being transparent with staff, it can create confusion and frustration, showing that there’s an issue.
• Absenteeism or overworking - Some employees might avoid work by calling in sick frequently, while others might throw themselves into work to prove their value. Both are signs of an unhealthy work environment.
• Unclear expectations - If goals aren’t clear, employees won’t know what to do, leaving them feeling uneasy and stressed about their roles.

Other signs include high turnover, favoritism, fear of failure, and excessive competition. All these behaviors indicate an unhealthy work environment that needs attention.

How to Fix a Toxic Workplace

Start by looking at the leadership. In most cases, toxicity comes from management—either from the top or from someone handling day-to-day tasks. If you’re a leader, it’s important to recognize that you might be contributing to the problem, but the good news is that you can also fix it.

Here are some things that any good leader should consider:

• Identify the problems - Look closely at what’s causing the toxic environment and take action to fix it.
• Create a safe space for feedback - Make sure your team feels comfortable sharing their concerns without fear of backlash.
• Encourage work-life balance - Show your team that you support their lives outside of work and that their well-being matters.
• Train managers - Ensure that your managers are following the positive tone you want to set and correct any issues as they arise.
• Lead by example - Set the right tone by demonstrating the positive behaviors you want to see in the workplace.

By taking these steps, you can create a healthier, more positive work environment for your team. At BNMC, we can help you implement modern technologies needed to keep morale up, and ensure everyone can work together. Give us a call today at (978) 482-2020 to learn more.