“4 Ways to Begin Detoxing Your Company Culture”
Meta Description:
Have you noticed something a bit off-putting in the office? Toxic work environments are becoming increasingly common in modern workplaces. Learn four steps that managers can take to resolve this issue quickly and effectively.
A toxic work culture takes a toll on employees that goes beyond the confines of their 9-5, affecting their mental health. Studies have shown approximately 1 in 10 workers experience their workplace culture as toxic. The Great Resignation of 2021 brought this topic to a national stage with many people citing a toxic culture for their departure.
As the saying goes, “Leadership starts from the top”. To cleanse the toxicity, steps need to be taken to fix it quickly. There are no benefits to leaving negative behaviors unchecked in the office. Fortunately, with the right strategies in place, managers can address potential festering issues and create a healthier working environment.
What can you do to turn it around?
A “cultural detox” is defined as “identifying and addressing toxic subcultures”. [2] It is the key to restoring your company to its original environment of increased employee engagement, collaboration, innovation, and productivity. However, to understand how to rid your office of unhealthy tactics and behaviors, you need to understand what it is you are truly dealing with.
What is a toxic work culture or a toxic work environment?
When you hear the word toxic, your mind may race to images of poisonous substances of some sort. It doesn’t leave you with a good taste in your mouth. You can’t pretty it up. Just as prolonged exposure to a toxic substance can have a harmful effect on a person, a toxic culture can have the same effect on an organization. So, what is it?
A toxic culture or work environment describes a place of work where negative behaviors are so ingrained in the organization that they have become the norm. On a broader spectrum, this looks like disrespectful, non-inclusion, unethical, cutthroat, and abusive or collectively known as “The Toxic Five” culture attributes.[1]
The consequences? If they don’t resign all together, employees are resolved to believe that this is just how it is. They’ve mentally checked out. There’s little or no engagement. They show signs of stress and burnout, sometimes to the point of sickness.
“Well, if it’s so instilled in the organization, how do I change it?”
This is not an inclusive list of actions but a starting point on how to begin the detox process of your company’s culture:
Find out what’s going on by identifying toxic habits (and people).
To resolve any issue, you first need to identify it. Getting to the root cause of a toxic culture within your organization is no different. This is an essential part of the detox process.
Within the previously mentioned categories that attribute to toxic culture, you may discover underlying issues like bullying, office gossip, manipulation tactics, dysfunction, divisiveness between employees or even leadership. As a manager, you need to look closely at the negative behaviors and personnel that are contributing to the problem, to better determine the most effective way to resolve it.
Now, this isn’t to say you should be overly involved in your employees’ day-to-day to the point of micromanaging (which also contributes to a toxic culture) but being aware of the office happenings and listening to legitimate concerns could give you insight outside of the numbers and data.
Create a safe space for open communication
Although this may be uncomfortable for some and take some time, having the space for open communication is a necessary part of the puzzle. By having a safe environment that encourages employees to speak their mind or share their grievances without fear of negative repercussions, you are validating their concerns.
Let it be known that this is an open channel policy and available to them at all times. Then reiterate that issues shared with management will be addressed in a respectful and timely manner.
Establish clear, healthy boundaries
Yes, we all set boundaries for our personal and professional lives. Yet, I’m sure anyone can tell you it may not always be simple to maintain them at work and lines have been blurred and crossed more times than desired. But boundaries help manage expectations. Prioritizing work above everything shouldn’t be one of them.
The result? Stress mounts, output suffers, and burnout is almost inevitable.
Take the time to review your employees job descriptions. Have you unconsciously tacked on work outside of the employee's job duties? Do you find that work calls are being made after hours? Are they expected to answer emails on days off?
Respect, from the top to the lower levels, is integral to company success and growth. Even in the smallest things. So, along with the open communication policies in place, reestablishing healthy boundaries will help to keep roles and responsibilities clear and keep unnecessary stress at bay.
Ask for help (Seek help from a coach, training programs)
If you’re dedicated in your pursuit to detox your work culture, improve overall morale, and become a better leader in the process then consulting with an advisor or leadership coach can help get you on the right path such as the GiANT Altitude Course.
Leadership training programs for managers and supervisors will not only make an impact from higher level management but will be beneficial for your team as well.
With training, you will gain a deeper understanding of your particular leadership voice. In fact in these training programs, you get to know yourself to lead yourself first. That knowledge coupled with a stronger sense of self-awareness won’t simply elevate your skills but do so in such a way that will lift your team to higher heights.
For your team, including them in these leadership training sessions has the potential to increase employee engagement, appreciation and yes, increased productivity. By participating in the training alongside them, you are showing your team you can make an impact through influence, and you are in this together. In turn, your employees will feel valued, have more to offer and their work gains more meaning.
Solo or with a certified guide to lead you every step of the way, discovering the strengths of your team can be done in a way that’s simple, practical, and bit fun!
Wrap-up: Like a body detoxing, the detoxification of your company won’t happen overnight. There is no instant cure. However, with dedicated leadership in position, proper training, and the desire to see change happen on every level, you are one step closer to a “cleaner” workplace.