Culture Cure: 5 Signs of a Toxic Workplace Culture and How to Fix Them


We all know the feeling. You drag yourself out of bed on a Monday morning, dreading the commute and the soul-sucking environment that awaits you at the office. That, my friends, is a sign you might be stuck in a toxic workplace culture.

Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of misery. Just as an old home can look like new with a bit of reno work, so too can a toxic workplace can be transformed. Here's how to spot the warning signs and, more importantly, what you can do to breathe new life into your work environment. 

Five Signs Your Work Culture Needs Some Work

  • High Turnover: Are people taking flight faster than galahs in a cyclone? This is a classic symptom. You can bring a cheerful attitude every day, offer to mentor newer staff members, or even organise a team culture workshop. But if staff are bailing left, right, and centre, it's a sure sign something's off.
  • Gossip Central: The office water cooler has become a fountain of negativity. Backstabbing, rumour-mongering, and general grumpiness are the order of the day. This not only brings morale down to the basement but can also lead to a hostile work environment.
  • Combustible Workloads and Deadlines: Feeling like you're constantly on the verge of burnout? Unrealistic deadlines and overflowing inboxes are a recipe for disaster. This kind of pressure hurts productivity and damages employees' mental and physical health.
  • Communication Breakdown: Do you feel like you’re screaming into the wind when you try to get a bit of collaboration going with your colleagues? A lack of clear direction, mixed messages, and a culture of blame can leave everyone feeling frustrated and confused.
  • Us vs. Them Mentality: Does it feel like management's on a different planet from the rest of the crew? A toxic culture often breeds a sense of division between employees and leadership. This can lead to a lack of trust, disengagement, and a whole lot of resentment.

The Cure for the Culture Blues

So, what can you do if your workplace is giving you the blues? Here are a few things you can do to get the culture back on track:

  • Be the Change You Want to See: It all starts with you. If you see negativity brewing, try to redirect the conversation or offer a positive spin.
  • Open Communication is Key: If you're feeling overwhelmed, have a chat with your manager. Don't be afraid to speak up about unrealistic workloads or communication issues.
  • Embrace Recognition: A little appreciation goes a long way. Make an effort to recognise and acknowledge the achievements of your colleagues.
  • Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Collaboration is key to a healthy workplace. Look for opportunities to work together on projects and brainstorm ideas.
  • Speak Up: If the situation is truly unbearable, consider reporting it to HR. They have a responsibility to investigate and take appropriate action.

For Employers:

  • Lead by Example: Employees take their cues from the top. If you want a positive culture, model the behaviour you expect to see.
  • Open Door Policy: Make yourself approachable and available to your team. Encourage open communication and feedback.
  • Invest in Your People: Offer opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Work-Life Balance is Crucial: Recognise the importance of personal time for your team. Encourage them to take breaks and switch off after work.
  • Celebrate Successes: Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements.

It is possible to weed out the toxicity from a workplace, but it takes time and teamwork. Start with the tips above, but if you’re still struggling, consider seeking professional advice.