Contrary to popular belief, toxic workplace culture is not just about inefficient and unproductive employees within the organization. Rather it is more about a workplace plagued with infighting, falling productivity, unhappiness and dissatisfaction of employees.

In most cases, the elements of toxic work culture are right there in the open and thus are easily identifiable. Many times they remain hidden and require significant effort from the senior leaders to be uncovered.

The most common signs of toxic organizational culture are as follows:


1. Low employee morale

When many employees show little interest in their work or their surroundings, it often indicates growing toxicity at the workplace.

Lack of energy and enthusiasm among employees should be taken quite seriously by the leaders. Hence, they should focus on finding the reasons for the same and rectifying them at the earliest.


2. Lack of open communication

Lack of effective communication between the employees and the management is another major indicator of toxic work culture. Employees often feel afraid to ask questions to their supervisors and simply choose to follow their instructions.

Hence, this can build their sense of distrust and even makes them feel disengaged and undervalued.


3. Growing discord between employees

The growing discord between employees is also indicative of the fact that not all is well at the workplace.

Increase in misunderstanding between co-workers, decline in collaboration, and growing distrust and dissent among employees are all red flags. Hence, organizations need o take notice of them and respond to them at the earliest.


4. High employee turnover

One of the key indicators of a toxic corporate culture is an increase in the turnover of the employees. Most employees prefer to leave their jobs rather than being bogged down by the stressful environment at the workplace.

In fact, high-performing and most sincere employees tend to stay away from any kind of workplace politics as it affects their performance.

A toxic culture can have drastic consequences for an organization including a dramatic fall in productivity and market goodwill. Moreover, it can destroy the ethos of the organization and promote undesirable behaviors that will hinder business growth.

Hence, it is important that organizations take the necessary steps for preventing the development of toxic organization culture.

The following tips can prove beneficial in this context:


1. Promote honest and transparent communication

Honest and transparent communication, both vertical and lateral can help prevent development of toxic culture.

Hence, sharing timely information about business goals, processes and policies with employees helps the organization in gaining their trust. It also allows employees to express their opinions and ideas freely and strengthens their emotional connection with the organization.


2. Ensure timely employee recognition

Appreciating employees for their efforts and achievements effectively is key to keep them happy and motivated. Such employees are less likely to indulge in activities that may disrupt the growth and profitability of the organization.

Hence, a good employee recognition program can ensure that employee contribution towards business success does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.


3. Offer equal and ample growth opportunities

Also, it is important for an organization to provide its employees with fair and ample career growth opportunities across levels.

Hence, organizations need to avoid any kind of bias or favouritism as it can result in brewing dissent within the workforce. Otherwise, it can lead to a significant drop in employee engagement and causing detachment and emotional disconnect.