Why do people stay at toxic workplaces? What are some of the things to look out for? These are questions which perplex me at times and I wanted to find some answers and give you 6 signs of a toxic workplace to look out for. I have listed six main points, but there are many more, however, these are the ones I feel are most critical when determining what to do next – stay or go.
1. The wrong perks
The company focuses on the perks like table tennis table or free snacks as opposed to talking about purpose, meaningful work and career development. I know that in many Tech companies, these have become de-rigeur, and these can certainly add to the culture. My concern is if it implemented in place of the deeper and more impactful elements.
2. Just the way things are
The phrase ‘That’s just the way things are’ or ‘That’s the way we do things’ shows a fixed mindset and an unwillingness to adapt. I have found that managers who operate in this manner are more resistant to change and less likely to support new incentives or people with new ideas. The advantage of a new employee is a fresh set of eyes and approach.
3. Lack of values
Company values are just some words in a document/ on a wall. They are not lived, displayed, and talked about regularly by senior leaders and not embedded into day-to-day culture. I believe that this is not uncommon. Companies pay consultants to select values and get HR to roll them out to the organisation, but they don’t gain traction when people at the top are not leading by example. People see a lack of alignment and adopt the approach of, ‘Well if that person doesn’t behave according to the values, then I don’t see why I should have to’.
You are halfway through the 6 signs of a toxic workplace and I hope that you are not experiencing any of these. I have seen the next 3 all too often and they are harder to change than the previous 3.
4. No feedback
Leaders are not open to feedback. Without psychological safety where people are able to freely express their thoughts and opinions, this leads to a fear-based culture. Trust and safety are critical elements of feedback. Feedback must go up the chain of command, across it as well as down it. If not, then it will not be taken seriously and people will eventually stop giving it as they don’t see anything changing, and the potential risk becomes too high.
5. Overwork
People are burnt out or burning out. There is a hero culture, where long hours are rewarded and people feel pressured to work on their time off. Leaders must be seen to take time off as well as actively promoting their employees to take time off to rest. Leaders also need to understand that each person will have a different capacity and desire for work.
6. Lack of recognition
Lack of recognition. Criticism is more prevalent than appreciation and you are not valued for the work you do or time you give. This is a huge area. We often don’t appreciate ourselves, let alone others. 82% of employees felt happier when they received some form of praise. So the impact on retention and positivity in the workplace is massive.
Do you recognise any of these 6 signs of a toxic workplace? What have I missed? As a leader what can you do to mitigate these points? If you would like to talk more about changing work or seeing what you could do differently, book chat with me