"Toxicity" in the workplace

Toxicity in the workplace is fostered every time negative behavior occurs. Behaviors such as bullying, humiliation, discrimination, disrespect, harassment, and leaders’ failure to provide support to employees create a harmful and unpleasant atmosphere for workers. A toxic work environment can have serious consequences for employees’ mental and physical health, as well as their performance.
Here, I’m sharing just a few of the stories I’ve heard about workplace toxicity.

Nikolaos is a young man in his mid-thirties, full of ambition and dreams for his career. He works at a multinational company where his department manager accuses him of mistakes he didn’t make, constantly belittles him, and assigns him projects with tight deadlines. She also frequently asks him to present the project’s progress at the regular team meeting with other executives involved in the project. While Nikolaos devotes time and energy to preparation, at the last minute she decides she will give the presentation herself. He is frustrated, has developed a negative view of his abilities, and struggles to recognize his strengths. When I asked him what he has done so far to address the situation, he replied that he is looking to change jobs. Not a word about “Upward feedback”(1).
It is common for employees to avoid discussing the issue with their managers or the human resources department, either because they fear the consequences or because they believe that speaking up won’t change anything—and they’re not wrong.
He chose to use the coaching process to empower himself, regain his self-confidence, and explore alternative options for effectively addressing the toxic situation.

Aspasia is a woman in her fifties with many years of professional experience. She is the head of the finance department at a small-to-medium-sized Greek company where the owner exhibits toxic behavior. She expresses her distress to me when he yells at her and accuses her of mistakes in front of other colleagues. Her anxiety prevents her from sleeping well at night; she often has headaches and stomachaches. Aspasia, read my article titled "What is the role of work in the mental health and well-being of workers?" (2) and came to the first session with the aim of managing her anxiety.

These are just two of the countless stories of workplace toxicity. I believe there are no magic solutions or easy tips for transitioning from a toxic work environment to a healthy one. Not only employees but also executives need to recognize and accept that toxicity exists in the company. This can be difficult and time-consuming, but it is not impossible. Below, I share some best practices and a few of my thoughts, which I hope will be helpful and create opportunities for discussion and reflection.

Actions at the individual level

1. Limits. We often hear from therapists, coaches, and mental health counselors alike that it’s necessary to set boundaries. In my article How do I say “No”? (3) You will find some tips on how to confidently set boundaries and protect your personal time and space.
2. Support. Who can you turn to for support? You can talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members, or seek professional help from a psychologist or counselor; consider joining a support group.
3. Self-care. How often do you take breaks from work? Are daily exercise and a healthy diet part of your routine? Do you get at least seven hours of sleep a day? Self-care is essential for coping with difficult situations.
4. Rights. Learn about your employment rights and your company’s policies regarding discrimination or harassment.
5. Resignation. When you’ve done everything you can and the situation doesn’t improve, look for a different work environment.

Actions at the individual level
As an employee, you may have limited influence over the following, but it’s still worth making your suggestions. If you are a business owner or executive and have identified signs of toxicity, it’s worth considering how you can implement some of the strategies below.

1. Policies and Procedures. Are there clear policies against discrimination, intimidation, and harassment? What process should an individual follow to report toxic behavior within the company?
2. Training. To raise awareness among all employees about toxicity, you can organize information and training sessions to foster a culture of respect and inclusion. Additionally, training leaders to serve as role models for professional conduct and to recognize toxic behaviors can help address such behaviors.
3. Open Communication. To what extent do you encourage open communication and feedback? How comfortable do employees feel expressing their concerns?
4. Support. Offer your employees access to counseling services and support programs, coaching, and mentoring, and create a culture where mental health is a priority. Remember that change is not a linear process and goes through certain stages; if you’re wondering How do I prepare employees for the coming change?.(4), read the related article.

The transition from a toxic to a healthy work environment is the result of thorough preparation, ongoing effort, and commitment from all parties involved.

1, 2, 3, 4 https://coachinginaction.gr/–>articles