You must have heard of ‘toxic workplace’ or the term ‘toxic team culture’ at least once, right? Maybe you did, right? I accidentally ran into a discussion on Linkedin about this topic, and I found it interesting. That’s why I would like to write about this topic.
A toxic team culture usually has negative effects on employee morale and mental health one way or another. Simply, a toxic work culture surely gets you into a lot of trouble. But first, let’s define toxic workplace culture.
What Is a Toxic Team Culture?
So, what toxic team culture actually means to you?
In general, the definition of toxic work culture varies for each individual. From my point of view, toxic workplace culture is one corrupted by drama, pressure, miscommunication, conflicts, and even fighting, overall affecting the productivity and well-being of the whole team. Or simply, it is a type of working environment that makes you feel uncomfortable at when going to work every day.
I know you guys will have even more things to define a poisonous team culture from your own point of view. It is understandable since approximately 55% of workers acknowledge they face or suffer from unpleasant working conditions related to workplace culture. Accordingly, you are not the only one here who is doubtful about the health of your workplace.
However, if you do not, then let’s go through some notable characteristics of toxic work culture.
How Can You Recognize A Toxic Work Culture? - Signs of Toxic Work Culture
Alright! How can you tell if a workplace culture is toxic or not? If you find yourself stuck in a workplace with one or several of these signs, then there is no doubt that it is toxic team culture.
No Enthusiasm & Teamwork Spirit
A toxic work culture probably results in a team without working enthusiasm, poor morale, and no teamwork spirit. Obviously, the toxic culture has drained out all the motivation of the members, making them less hardworking, supportive, and friendly. The teammates tend to work alone, push burdens on others, blame each other for mistakes, gossip about others, always fight back with others or leaders, etc. All of these negative attitudes are trying to tell you that there must be problems with the work culture of this team.
The worse the work culture is, the clearer this sign is. If you are a new member of the team, it is much easier for you to notice the behaviors of the other members and the vibe in the office.
Never-ending Workplace Conflicts, Gossip, & Drama
Suppose the inappropriate behaviors of colleagues and your bosses and the lack of motivation and enthusiasm are the level-one sign of toxic work culture. Then workplace conflict is the next level.
The serious atmosphere and unfriendly interactions among the team are not enough. You may be trapped in continuous workplace conflicts, gossip, and drama, and all of them soon make you depressed.
High Turnover Rate
It is the most obvious sign of a workplace with a toxic team culture, walking you straight to the exit. People have multiple reasons to quit and change jobs. Some leave a company for new opportunities with a better salary, benefits, and career path. Some others may quit jobs to start their businesses. However, most of the employees were determined to quit their jobs because of the work culture. One out of five employees who have resigned admits that the work culture is the reason for their exiting.
Perhaps they are unhappy with one or several team members. Or they are not getting along well with their bosses—conflicts at work, heavy pressure, bad relationships, etc. No matter what the reasons are for the high turnover rate, it still means that the work culture here is not okay! A toxic culture surely results in 3 signs it’s time to change jobs. A mass exodus once again emphasizes that something is wrong with the work culture, and you should better stay away!
With these signs, you can forecast a team has good or toxic work culture.
The Devastating Consequences of a Toxic Work Culture
No matter what the reasons causing unhealthy work culture, it leads to several devastating consequences. These negative effects may have a serious influence on your mental health and even your physical health as well. Here are some common consequences you may encounter in a workplace with a toxic team culture:
Lost motivation at work: Unhealthy work culture probably drains out your motivation at work gradually over days. You know we have a lot of tasks and pressure to handle every day, but if our working space does not bring us peace of mind, then the situation only gets worse.
Negative effects on your health: A toxic work culture will affect your health physically and mentally due to the conflicts, pressure, and drama at the workplace. If the situation lasts long, you may be in trouble.
Your expertise will shrivel away: Notice or not, you still have to admit that a bad team culture will make you less hardworking than usual, easily distracted, and even more lazy. Gradually, this will destroy your expertise, integrity, and even your career.
Become dramatic: If you are dragged into the middle of the conflicts, you may easily join the unnecessary fights. Eventually, you will become a part of the toxic team culture and get more dramatic, aggressive, and mean.
And there are worse consequences resulting from toxic work culture. So, be aware and careful with them.
A Typical Examples of Toxic Work Culture in Vietnam and Maybe Some Asian Countries
If you are working in a Vietnam-based company, you must have heard the term “We are family” at least once, right? This is a type of toxic work culture I am going to talk about.
‘We Are Family’ Work Culture
In theory, “We are family” is quite a good concept. It refers to a work culture that everyone is a member of the big family. We adore, support, and care about each other. I sound nearly like a dream team but at a higher level.
Unfortunately, it is such a toxic work culture in reality. The BOD of the companies with this type of work culture will lure you to sleep by telling you that you are a family member, and they treasure you even though they did not do as they said. Here are what happens with the “We are family” work culture:
#1: Employees are told to be free to speak up, contribute ideas, and be open to discussion. However, in this toxic work culture, the management team or simply your bosses are always right despite being wrong. If you do something against the bosses’ will, you will surely be listed on their black list. Of course, you know what they will do to rebellious employees like you.
#2: The flunkeys are preferred by hardworking employees. It sounds strange, but it is true. In a “we are family” culture, no matter how hard you work, you will not be appreciated if you don't know how to flatter your bosses. If you don’t believe in what I say, then try to jump into a “we are family” culture yourself.
#3: Whenever they want to push pressure on you or ask you to do something beyond your scope of work, they always sing you to sleep with such sweet words. For example, we are family, and we should support each other, we can do it, blah blah blah. And they will not pay for your extra working hours while they should have done it. See! How “nice” they are! Or simply understand, they give you tasks and responsibilities, but they are not willing to pay your more or offer you extra benefits. Got it!
And there are worse things varied depending on different companies. Perhaps you can tell me more about what happens in your company.
Leave, Stay Or Fix It? What Is Your Decision?
So, what will you do if you are in a company with toxic culture? Should you leave for a new job? Or should you stay and try to fix it?
Leave
Most people choose to switch jobs so that they can find a better workplace with a better culture. I do not intend to demotivate you, but what if you fall into another toxic work culture? It’s normal. Note that you will encounter similar problems and meet similar types of colleagues or bosses no matter what companies you are working for. The decisive point is which companies have better cultures than others, even if it is only a little better. Therefore, you’d better prepare yourself.
Stay
It’s not a bad idea to stay and try to work things out. You can start to identify the problems with your team culture. Then, you can discuss with your team and your boss to come up with proper solutions. Be calm, straightforward, and open-minded if you want to “detoxicate” your company’s work culture. Unfortunately, I have to say it is very challenging to succeed. But it is worth a try. If you already face the problem and try to solve it, but it still does not change, then it’s not too late to change your job. At least, you have to try to change the bad things within your current workplace culture.
Conclusion
In brief, toxic team culture is all around us somewhere, and it is not good for anyone. Try to figure out what’s wrong with your company’s work culture first, and be calm to come up with proper solutions. Good luck and stay healthy with a good team culture!
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