Toxic Work Environment: 7 Characters
A healthy work environment improves satisfaction, well-being and good relationships with colleagues. But the work environment is not always healthy. Sometimes we may be frustrated, tired, and unmotivated in our workplace, and we may not even want to go to work in the morning because of our colleagues or our boss. This is a toxic work environment and has negative effects on us.
If we consider companies or organizations as melting pot of emotions, then there may be conflicts and differences. The problem is how we manage them and where we can start, not their origin. Degrading treatment, unfair competition, and aggressive, evil, and manipulative behaviors are characteristics of a toxic work environment.
The following features are common in such environments.
1. Absences
It is normal for people to get sick, for them to go for medical check-ups, or for them to have to take part in events that force them to be away from work. But as this behavior recurs more and more often, it may be a warning sign.
Absences three times a month or more, or requesting absence frequently, be it for personal reasons, medical check-ups or illnesses, is an alarming sign. It may be a sign of a toxic work environment.
Another form of recurrent absences is mental absence. This means going to work, but spending time on non-work related things.
Such behaviors can be corrected if the manager takes responsibility for increasing employee motivation. If employees are motivated, everything will go well.
2. Abuse by supervisors
Another sign of a toxic work environment is a lack of respect from supervisors for subordinates. This is also the case if they use cynicism and sarcasm when talking to their employees.
Contemptuous remarks, useless or non-constructive criticism, and comparison to other subordinates also contribute to this. Instead of employers encouraging collaboration, these management methods lead to too much competition and make employees feel bad.
3. Lack of communication
Communication problems in the workplace often occur when there is indirect, incomplete, or semi-truthful communication. This creates dual meanings and confusion that manifests as errors.
In many cases, bosses do not tell exactly how they want tasks to be performed, but assume that their subordinates “read their thoughts” or guess the details of the instructions. As a result, employees feel frustrated and insecure and lack motivation.
4. Low level of employee security
This happens when companies put their own interests ahead of employees (customers, savings, etc.). There is no variation in the workplace and there are no opportunities to move forward. Employees also do not have a training program or access to career plans.
Employees may spend 10 years doing the same tasks without any promotion or not even considering one. Another thing that may happen is that internal procedures change without prior notice. In general, all of these conditions cause greater dissatisfaction among employees and this creates a toxic work environment.
5. A dictatorial way of leading
In this case, the leader makes all decisions without consulting the group. He does not listen or ask the opinions of others, thus creating fear among the employees.
Dictatorial leaders are often suspicious people because they believe that only they alone can do the job well, and no one knows as well as they do. Often, this suspicion stems from personal insecurities, especially if one of the employees stands out from the crowd and becomes a threat to the foreman.
In such a toxic work environment, things are exacerbated by the fact that employees do not see their supervisor as a person who could help them solve problems.
6. Role problems
Each employee has their own role in the workplace. While roles can be complex, they need to be clearly defined. Otherwise, employees may not clearly understand their role in the company.
When this happens, they may take on tasks that do not belong to them or, conversely, they may not take actions that belong to them without realizing it.
7. Workplace bullying
Workplace bullying is often really common in a toxic work environment. This happens when one or more of your partners make it difficult for other co-workers to stay in the workplace, slandering them on a professional or personal level. In this regard, a bad relationship with colleagues can be a major source of stress.
All of these problems can affect employees both physically and psychologically, affecting their well-being. Therefore, it is important to talk about these in order to manage or avoid toxic work environments.
