Sometimes the work environment around us is toxic and we don't realize it, other times we realize it but we continue working in those conditions and, in others, we know people who suffer from a toxic work environment and we want to help them be better.
The important thing, in any case, is to detect that the problem really is a toxic work environment. Let's look at some signs that may make us suspicious:
Negative leadership
In all teams there is someone who must lead, the way in which bosses, managers or managers carry out this leadership will influence, positively or negatively, the well-being of the workers. It is recommended to use a transformational leadership style, in which the leader communicates efficiently and charismatically, thus influencing the expectations, perceptions and motivations of workers.
Role problems
A company works like a large gear in which each worker has a role. Role problems arise when someone is not clear about their role within the company. This may mean doing tasks that are not your responsibility (which can lead to work overload) or dealing with incompatible demands to get all the work done.
This causes stress and burnout in the worker and is triggered by a lack of communication, especially from higher positions.
Work overload
The work overload that we have already mentioned can also be due, simply, to the worker not being able to cope with the amount of tasks assigned to him. It is important to define tasks and assign realistic delivery dates to ensure that the work is done correctly and that the worker does not end up distressed and under a lot of stress, which will negatively affect the company's performance.
Bad relationships with colleagues
Coworkers are a key aspect of workplace well-being, for better or worse. Creating good relationships can increase worker motivation, making them work better and withstand more of the pressure of each day. When relationships are bad, the worker may suffer from stress, anxiety or apathy, they will not feel like going to work and their performance will drop drastically.
Lack of compromise
It is a key factor to see if the work environment is good. If the worker feels a lack of motivation and commitment towards the company, it usually means that the environment around them is not good. It is important to ensure that workers feel proud of belonging to that company, in this way they will feel it as theirs and will put more effort and love into their tasks.
Absenteeism and apathy
When a worker is not well in a company, the absenteeism rate increases, whether due to medical leave or any other reason. Lack of motivation means that work is not prioritized and lack of morale can also worsen health, which begins a vicious circle in which the worker not only feels bad emotionally but also physically.
Lack of vision for the future
It is important that workers see what the company's objectives are and know how they can grow with it. Feeling stagnation causes stress and demotivation. The worker needs to have vision beyond his daily routine, something that motivates him to make an effort and stay updated. It is vital that the company's internal communication takes this point into account.
Non-combinable schedules
The schedule should make life easier for the worker. Many companies impose schedules that make work-life balance difficult, which causes the worker to end up with burnout syndrome and do not hesitate to leave the company if he finds another one where he can fit his schedule into his life.
Bad communication
The root of all the above. Poor communication between the management team, between management and workers and even between workers or departments of the company. Everything starts from here: confusion, poor organization, role problems, conflicts, discomfort...
It is very important to create a good internal communication strategy that helps the organization grow in all aspects.
