Avoid Creating a Toxic Workplace: 6 Tips for Managers and Leaders

Imagine going to an office daily where you can always feel tension in the air and don't get warm smiles in the morning. Your colleagues don't seem to gel together or operate in their small groups. Conversations are more like gossiping and whispering since you can't put your opinion before everybody. And you certainly don't feel any belonging or collaborative spirit in the team. Many of you won't have to imagine this as this would be an everyday reality.

And the number of people facing toxic workplaces and their consequences is alarming. McKinsey Health Institute, (MHI) conducted a global survey of 15000 employees from 15 countries. The findings reported that one in four employees reported experiencing high rates of toxic behavior at work. Also, toxic workplace behavior is the single largest predictor of negative employee outcomes, including burnout symptoms.

Most of us know the importance of having a positive workplace culture and environment. Still, the reality of having one can be far from ideal at times. Amidst all the work-related pressure, a manager also has to take the responsibility of taking care of the environment for their teams. In this blog, I will take you through some tips managers and leaders can take to ensure their workplace and teams don't turn toxic.

• Address conflicts and negativity- Conflicts are inevitable in our personal and professional lives. Some conflicts are healthy for our relationship, too. However, a manager must ensure that the conflicts do not become significant differences. For this, you need to be aware of the conflicts within your team and address them proactively. If you are not good at conflict resolution, head to an online learning platform and invest in learning the skill. Here is a free conflict management skill assessment to help you understand how good you are at this. You can then work on learning more about this skill to apply it in your workplaces.

• Promote open communication- communication is critical to success in workplaces. Also, miscommunication can be a significant reason for misunderstandings and strained relationships. As a manager, you must communicate openly about everything, whether it's about success, failures, or values. Also, encourage regular team meetings where your team members can share their thoughts and apprehensions, allowing them to feel heard and seen. Tell your team that they can approach you for anything they need help with. This will reduce the unnecessary gossip that leads to a toxic environment.

  
  

• Promote work-life balance- Experiencing prolonged stress at work can make for a highly toxic and unproductive environment for the person experiencing stress and the other people in the team. Therefore, as a manager, you must promote and help your team establish some form of work-life balance. Make sure the workload does not overburden your team. Even in times of urgent work, look for ways in which team members can help each other without making it a burden on just a few. Encourage employees to set healthy work boundaries and take leaves occasionally to look after their personal health. When team members are happy and healthy, the environment will become positive.

• Promote learning about diversity and inclusion- Diversity is another crucial part of our workplaces. People of different genders, races, nationalities, and religions work together toward the same goal. However, such differences can also lead to misunderstandings and differences among team members. Therefore, along with promoting diversity, we must also focus on promoting learning about this diversity. Create opportunities for different people to work together and celebrate various festivals and events. Actively work on creating an atmosphere of inclusion and cohesiveness.

  
  

• Lead by example- As a manager, you are not there to just manage the team's work. A manager is more like a leader who can influence the people around them. Your team learns a lot by observing how you behave as a manager. Therefore, you need to lead by example. Project the behavior you want your team to follow. Respect healthy boundaries, be collaborative, and show empathy. Your team will learn by watching you. This learning might take time, but it will bear its fruit in time, making you a highly impactful and respected leader.
• Don't neglect mental health- We all know that mental health can make a big difference in our lives, personal or professional. A workplace that does not take care or pay heed to the mental health of its employees is bound to turn toxic at some point or another.  As per APA’s 2023 Work in America Survey, 92% of workers said it is very (57%) or somewhat (35%) important to them to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological well-being. As a manager, learn and make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health struggles. Provide help proactively, show empathy, and support the individual in making themselves feel better.

Creating a great workplace isn't just about business goals; it's about people feeling valued and thriving. Managers who tackle conflicts, encourage open chats, and champion a balanced life create an atmosphere where folks feel seen and supported. Embracing differences, leading with integrity, and caring for mental health seal the deal, forging a space where everyone thrives. Put your efforts into fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and ready to bring their best selves to work daily. Remember, a healthy workplace isn't just good for business—it's suitable for everyone.