Signs of a toxic workplace include a high turnover rate, constant negativity and gossip, lack of trust and transparency, unhealthy competition, and harassment and discrimination. The culture handed down and abided by always comes from the top. Even when leadership is unaware that they are at the source of it all. If you are an employer getting ahead of a toxic environment should be at the top of your priority list. Research has proven that a poorly run company culture costs companies lots of money. A study by Harvard found that toxic employees can cost a company $12,800 per year for each affected employee. Another study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that nearly half of employees (across all companies) reported experiencing bullying in the workplace. That is an alarming statistic, but having worked for a good number of companies, large and small, over the past 20 years I can attest to its accuracy according to my own experiences. 

To identify a toxic workplace, employees can ask themselves the following questions: 

• Am I consistently stressed or anxious at work?
• Am I often bullied, harassed, or discriminated against by a colleague or manager?
• Am I given too much work or unrealistic deadlines?
• Am I being excluded or ignored by my colleagues?
• Am I being held to different standards than my colleagues?
• Am I being given proper credit and or recognition for my work?

If an employee can answer yes to even one of the previous questions, it may be a sign that they are working in a toxic environment. To address a toxic workplace, employees should talk to a manager or HR representative, be sure to document any incidents of toxicity, seek support from colleagues and friends, and consider seeking legal advice if necessary. More times than not the best solution to a toxic work environment is to seek other employment. However, I do recommend speaking up to someone whether you decide to leave or not. This way the issues that caused you to reconsider your role with the company will at the very least be documented. The seed you plant will go a long way for the next person who decides to step up. 

It is important for employers to recognize and address toxic behavior within the workplace to create a safe and healthy environment for all employees. This can be achieved through proper training, clear communication, and effective policies and procedures. A positive and supportive workplace culture can lead to increased employee engagement, productivity, and retention.  There are a ton of resources available to employers, so please know that you’re not alone. I’ve provided a few examples below: 

• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Professional HR consulting services
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for management and employees
• Employee engagement surveys
• Anonymous feedback mechanisms
• Clear policies and procedures for reporting and addressing toxic behavior
• Regular performance evaluations and check-ins with employees
• Communication channels for employees to voice concerns and issues
• Mediation and conflict resolution services
• Programs and workshops that promote mental health and well-being in the workplace