Workplaces that are toxic can cause problems for both employers and employees. They can lead to reduced effectiveness, job dissatisfaction, disengagement and lower productivity. As a manager, it is important to recognise these issues and promote positivity in the workplace. Now it’s time to ask yourself, “Is my workplace toxic?” If it is, we give guidance on what you can do about it as a manager.
What is a toxic workplace?
A toxic workplace is one where bullying and harassment are present, according to the UK Government’s definition. This can include behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or offended. It’s important for employers to understand and effectively deal with this issue, as harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act.
A toxic workplace is one where the behaviour of an employee, whether a manager, supervisor, or colleague, negatively impacts the ability of others to work effectively. This can be caused by a variety of factors and anyone in the workplace can contribute to the toxicity. The effects of a toxic workplace can vary from person to person, but it can ultimately lead to decreased productivity, low morale and high turnover rates.
Signs of a toxic workplace
Examples of toxicity in the workplace could include:
- malicious rumours about an employee or employees
- lack of recognition or rewards for good work
- denying a promotion or training opportunity unfairly
- unrealistic deadlines
- unhealthy competition among colleagues
- poor communication between management and staff
- the regular undermining of an employee
- singling out an employee unfairly
- an overall feeling of unhappiness in the office
It’s important to remain vigilant of any potential signs of toxicity or bullying in the workplace.
When do bullying and toxicity become harassment or discrimination?
Bullying is not against the law in the UK, but it is a crime when it becomes harassment or discrimination. Therefore, it’s important to be vigilant about the nature of any bullying.
Bullying becomes harassment when:
- there is a hostile workplace environment.
- a worker’s dignity is violated.
- a worker is upset by witnessing harassment.
- An employee is treated unfairly because of one of the following ‘protected characteristics’:
- Religion or beliefs, age, gender, disabilities, pregnancy and maternity issues, race, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership.
As a manager what can you do about a toxic workplace?
As a manager, it is your responsibility to create an environment where employees feel safe and respected. There are several steps you can take to address a toxic workplace.
These include setting clear expectations for behaviour, providing regular feedback on performance, and creating an open dialogue with employees about their concerns.
Look into any complaints carefully and foster a culture where employees are listened to, with any concerns being taken seriously. This can prevent any potential formal grievances from occurring which can be time-consuming and expensive to rectify.
Additionally, you should ensure that everyone is treated fairly and that any conflicts are resolved quickly and effectively. Finally, it’s important to recognise the achievements of your team members to foster a positive work culture.
Be aware of vicarious liability
As an employer, you are responsible for the actions of your employees and can be held liable for any issues of bullying, harassment or discrimination in the workplace. This is known as vicarious liability. It means that you can be held accountable for any misconduct by your employees, even if you were not aware of it at the time.
You must take steps to ensure that your workplace is free from any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. This includes having clear policies in place to address such issues and providing training to staff on how to handle them appropriately. Additionally, it is important to have a system in place where employees can report any incidents without fear of retaliation or retribution.
Getting further help
If you feel your workplace is toxic and you need further help, the ACAS helpline can be reached at 0300 123 1100. ACAS receives funding from the UK Government and is an independent public body that provides free and impartial advice on:
- Best Practices in the workplace
- drawing up effective policies and procedures
- employment rights for employers and employees
- resolving workplace disputes
Now you’ve asked yourself “Is my workplace toxic?” do you need to take steps to make it a more positive work environment?
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