Common Management Error (3 cont. 1)

More on Toxic Workplace
Introduction
"...Nearly 60% of people have found themselves in a toxic workplace at some point in their career..."
Sabrina Read, 2023

A toxic workplace is dysfunctional and has many negatives; with unhealthy behaviours impacting many staff; it is unpleasant to work in as it can have a negative impact on mental health, self-confidence, job satisfaction, performance, etc; people lack empathy, compassion and understanding.
"...Unfortunately, unhealthy behaviour is often rewarded, either explicitly or implicitly, which reinforces it. In fact, can be devastating, leaving people feeling negative, resentful, withdrawn and lacking in humour and trust..."
Sabrina Read, 2023

Main indicators of toxic workplace include
"...1. Where bullying has taken place and no action is taken when it is reported
     2. Where there are cliques, gossip or rumours
    3. Where employees feel they have to 'walk on egg shells'
    4. General harassment is accepted as normal behaviour..."
Sabrina Read, 2023

Other signs include
- lack of praise
- lack of positive feedback
- secrecy
- poor relationships with staff

Some tips to handle toxicity

- leave the organisation (get another job where toxicity is not a problem)
- speak up (challenge bad behaviour rather than ignore it)
- manage relationships (generally poor relationships are the result of unmet needs; thus need to check what are the obstacles standing in the way of improving the relationship)
- manage your health (toxic workplace increases self-doubt and fuels negative self-talk; some self-care strategies include
"...- maintaining routines
     - focusing on things you can control
     - limiting excessive workloads
     - taking annual leave and regular breaks
     - finding supportive people to talk to..."
Sabrina Read, 2023

Some other strategies include
- regular exercise
- develop positive relationships and connections, ie
"...being connected in meaningful ways to it least one colleague helps bring a sense of belonging, fun and emotional safety to your work..."
Sabrina Read, 2023