How can you tell the difference between a healthy work environment, and one that may be toxic for you?
This is an interesting question. Toxic doesn't mean not being able to control others or having to work with people you don't like. Sure, that's really unpleasant and can lead to toxic behaviors, but isn't toxic itself. Toxic behaviors are those actions, mindsets and behaviors that have a lasting and pervasive negative impact on productivity, innovation, and the mental, social, and emotional health of employees.
The undercover workplace that exists in most organizations is toxic by nature- and those that align themselves with it ("play the game") behave in toxic ways, whether they know if or not. The game itself is rigged, full of false hopes, fakery, and deception:
The myth of meritocracy- if for some reason you haven't figured out that meritocracy doesn't exist, just take a look at what's happening politically in the United States. And this isn't new: the majority of organizations are run, not by the most talented, hard-working or qualified people, but by the most manipulative actors who are willing to do whatever for the power and control (and usually do not seek leadership to inspire and lead).
If you are marginalized in this country, you know all too well that when people say "qualified", they are not referring to people who look or think like you. I can recall very early in my career, before obtaining my education being told I was constantly passed over for leadership and other higher roles due to that- despite still being the most experienced. And now, with a master's degree and even more experience, still being seen as unqualified. Lose-lose situation.
Being seen as a good leader has everything to do with image and perception, and not character and actions. Put on a suit and tie, coif your hair, speak in a certain cadence, and that's it! You're believed. You mean I didn't actually have to work hard building my skills and qualifications?
We hear a lot about negative work experiences, so I know the above is all too familiar to you. But what do positive workplace environments look like? I think it's time we start to place emphasis on this to help people understand that our current workplace environment is indeed toxic, and what the possibilities are for a better workplace culture for all in the future.
Consider This
Before I share my thoughts on healthy workplaces, I'll say this: people who benefit from toxic behaviors and environments may actually find healthy workplaces to be toxic or unpleasant. Those types may thrive off drama and chaos and find structure and efficiency "boring". Years ago, I remember asking an old supervisor why she seemed to not want things to function optimally (she would always intentionally "aim low" or thwart attempts at maximizing efficiencies). Her response was "When everything is running well, I have nothing to do. I need a little chaos; it keeps things exciting."
I was horrified, but this taught me one of many valuable lessons- not everyone has the same goals within the workplace, regardless of the goals and values stated on the wall or in the orientation materials. Despite the lip service, people use the workplace to serve their own agendas- and the social, mental and emotional health of the people around them are often secondary (if considered at all) to those agendas.
I said all of that to say- what is considered healthy for some will depend on what they feel they get out of the workplace experience.
Practices and Behaviors of Healthy Workplaces
For those of us who aren't using the workplace as an ego boost or as a way to obtain social power and status, here are some characteristics of healthy workplace cultures that we appreciate and thrive under:
Everyone within a healthy workplace, regardless of position, status, or any other characteristic is respected and given equal opportunity to contribute and thrive. Boundaries are encouraged and respected.
Workplace policies and processes are developed and enforced based on efficiency, need, and the needs of the business, employees and customers (if applicable), not by workplace politics or simply the needs of the business (or based on the interests of a few).
Team members are collaborative versus competitive. Teams are motivated to do work based on shared goals and values, versus "winning" or success at the expense of others.
Leaders lean into their accountability and make safe workplaces a priority in their role. Anyone whose behavior is not shown to be in alignment with policies and practices of safe workspaces is held accountable and, if needed, removed from the workplace.
Direct, honest communication is status quo, and people within the organization do not shy away from conflicts. The goal is always resolution and win-win outcomes for all.
Employees have the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to perform their roles optimally.
Leadership leads with competence and compassion, prioritizing learning and growth and investing time and money into their self-development, as well as that of their employees.
People are not triangulated or otherwise manipulated for the social or monetary gain of a few people.
Leaders are chosen based on their experience, competence, and the will to lead and guide others, versus nepotism, power dynamics, and other political behavior.
Is My Workplace Toxic?
So, maybe you're not quite sure about your workplace situation. How would you know if your workplace has become toxic? Look out for the following signs (not a full list):
Do I feel invisible, or do I feel seen and heard?
Am I excluded (from projects, from social functions, from team building), or am I happily included?
Do I feel drained by my interactions with people or energized? (This could be introversion vs extroversion as well).
Am I micromanaged? Or am I trusted to make decisions and work on my own?
Do the actions of the organization not match the words?
Am I experiencing bullying/mobbing or other social punishment?
Is my growth limited? Do I have the support of leadership?
Do people communicate passive-aggressively, or not at all?
Is there no accountability- especially for leadership?
Are my colleagues working against me in some way (versus collaboratively)?
If you are experiencing any of this, it may be time to consider looking for a new opportunity, or at minimum taking the time to establish boundaries and focus on your self-care so that these conditions do not negatively impact you.
If you're interested in some ideas on how to do either, check out the other articles here in Paradigm Shifts, or visit the resources page here on my website for more tools and tips.
Hi! I'm Nicole, an organizational consultant and personal coach, who is passionate about inspiring the changes our society needs for all to thrive. Using lessons learned from my own experiences and challenges, I hope to help people within organizations by creating mentally, socially, and emotionally healthy workplaces for all. Check out the other resources on this site for more ways to do just that!
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