Getting ahead in the professional world isn’t always easy. But it can be particularly challenging when you’re working in a toxic company.
In the United Kingdom, three quarters of working people have already had this bitter experience, according to a recent survey.
Unhealthy working environments can trigger a range of negative emotions in employees, from stress and anxiety to guilt and feelings of rejection. Factors contributing to such environments can include unapproachable superiors, a bad atmosphere among colleagues, a lack of team spirit, a lack of trust, or obvious discrimination.
But, according to UK workers, these toxic behaviours can also involve non-constructive criticism and public humiliation. Some 56% of workers surveyed recently say they have felt belittled in front of their colleagues, while 42% say they have experienced bullying, and 32% have been forced to work overtime.
Contrary to what you might think, a toxic corporate culture is not just the fault of senior leaders. A third of workers surveyed believe that middle managers have a lot to do with it, while 28% think other employees contribute to a bad office atmosphere.
Overall, 81% of respondents agree that toxic working environments are mainly due to a lack of empathy on the part of company directors and managers.
Pushed towards the exit
Whatever the factors that contribute towards a toxic environment, it’s clear this kind of company is not a good place at which to work. Seven in 10 respondents admit they would consider working remotely to avoid such an atmosphere.
Indeed, toxic climates have a negative impact on those who have to deal with them: they are not only a source of dissatisfaction, but a source of unhappiness for employees.
The overwhelming majority of UK workers polled say that toxic workplace culture has had a detrimental effect on their mental health (87%). For 73% of them, it has even contributed to burnout.
Fortunately, there are signs that can indicate a toxic workplace: absenteeism, a spate of resignations, or desertion of the office.
Recruitment advertisements also provide valuable insights into corporate culture. UK workers are well aware of this, with 47% of them agreeing that businesses with toxic work environments feature “red flags” in their job ads.
These include “the ability to manage stress” (46%), “the ability to work under pressure” (45%), and “fast-paced environment” (39%).
Companies, too, have a vested interest in keeping a close eye on the working environment they provide for their employees. A poor atmosphere affects motivation, performance and commitment.
In fact, 61% of workers surveyed have already left a job because of the corporate culture in which they worked. Providing a healthy working environment is, therefore, essential to attracting and – more importantly – retaining employees.