Toxic Work Culture and What You Can Do About It

By Amitesh Jasrotia on July 20, 2024

Most of my posts are in one way or another related to books, motivation, or wisdom. This one is going to be an oddity. I want to talk about toxic work culture and how it affects individuals.

I always used to think that toxic people were a manifestation of large organizations. However, as I gained more experience and networked more, I realized that poisonous individuals can exist anywhere—from small setups to behemoth-type organizations.

So why do these venomous creatures thrive in large organizations? It's the sheer size and the HR oversight that comes with it. In a small organization, if the management or the promoters want - and in most cases they do - they can easily pinpoint who is bringing bags of toxins to work.

In contrast, large organizations often suffer from a disconnect between HR and the employees, allowing toxic behavior to slip through the cracks.

Let's dive into some specific examples of toxic behavior. If you have been working for several years, there is a high likelihood you had a boss who micromanaged every little thing you did, making you feel like you're under constant surveillance.

I once had a boss who would call me at 11:30 at night, starting the conversation with, "Hope you're not sleeping," and before I could respond, he would say, "Please send the proposal tonight." This was even when the client hadn't shown any urgency.

Then there's the senior colleague who constantly gossips and spreads rumors, and undersells you in front of his seniors, keeping the place seeped in toxicity.

And don't even get me started on passive-aggressive emails and WhatsApp texts dripping with sarcasm and thinly veiled insults that make you question your sanity. All these behaviors contribute to a toxic work environment, leaving you stressed, anxious, and dreading the thought of going to work each day.

Now, let's get real. This stuff isn't just annoying—it's damaging.

According to a study by the Workplace Bullying Institute, 19% of workers in the U.S. have experienced bullying at work. That's nearly one in five people! According to this India Today report, a staggering 55% of employees in India have faced some form of workplace bullying.

The effects of this can be devastating. Chronic stress from a toxic work environment can lead to serious health issues like depression, anxiety, and even cardiovascular problems.

So, what can you do if you find yourself stuck in a toxic work culture? Here are some practical tips:

Document Everything: Keep a record of all toxic incidents. Save emails, WhatsApp texts, and document dates and times. This can be useful if you decide to report the behavior to HR.

Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set clear boundaries with toxic individuals. Don't take it lying down even if that means creating a few ripples. Do everything to protect your mental health and well-being.

But I know what you're thinking - "I've got home loan installments to pay off. I can't risk confronting my boss." I'm not saying you should challenge him to a showdown, but you need to stand your ground. If you don't, it won't be long before this becomes the new norm. For instance, I set boundaries with my boss by turning off my phone after late evenings.

Seek Support: Don't suffer in silence. Talk to a trusted coworker or mentor about what you're going through. Sometimes just having someone listen can make a big difference.

Explore Options: In his book 'The Leap to Leader', Adam Bryant suggests that if the situation doesn't improve, consider looking for a new job. It's a significant step, but no job is worth compromising your health and happiness.

I know that changing a toxic work culture isn't easy. Unlike the highfalutin stuff you often read in Harvard Business Review (HBR), senior executives rarely bother to learn from theory and put it into practice.

Still, if you're in a leadership position, you have the power to make a real difference. Start by addressing toxic behavior promptly, and fostering a culture of respect and support. It might be an uphill battle, but creating a positive work environment is worth the effort for everyone involved.

A study by the HBR found that companies with positive work cultures are more productive, and have significantly lower turnover rates.

In conclusion, toxic work culture is way more common than we'd like to admit, but you can take steps to protect yourself.

You deserve to work in a place where you feel valued and respected, where you are appreciated, not just tolerated. Don't let the toxicity get to you—stand up for yourself and make the changes you need for your well-being. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments box below and how you dealt with them.