Toxic culture
The phrase conjures images of stress , anxiety , and a pervasive sense of dread hanging over the office . Culture expert Colin D . Ellis shares how a workplace becomes toxic in the first place , and what can be done to ‘ detoxify it ’.
The Genesis of Toxicity Toxic cultures don ’ t appear overnight ; they ’ re cultivated over time , often through neglect or a lack of accountability . One of the most significant contributors is the failure of senior leaders to address poor behaviour and performance . When bad actors are allowed to thrive , it sets a dangerous precedent , signalling to others that such conduct is acceptable . This can manifest in various ways , from microaggressions and persistent profanity to outright bullying , harassment , and unethical behaviour . In extreme cases , toxic cultures can escalate to physical and emotional abuse .
Beyond individual bad actors , toxic social norms can contribute to the problem . When negativity , gossip , and blame become ingrained in the workplace , even well-intentioned individuals can be drawn into the destructive cycle . This is compounded by a lack of psychological safety , where employees fear speaking up about concerns or admitting mistakes . This silence allows toxic behaviours to fester and grow , further entrenching the negativity .
Addressing toxicity Turning around a toxic culture – or taking positive steps to mitigate the risk of it occurring – requires a multi-pronged approach , starting with a commitment from leadership . Leaders must acknowledge the problem , take ownership , and actively work to create a more positive and supportive environment . As I often say to leaders , ‘ You get the culture that you choose to build ’. Choosing to do nothing dramatically increases the chances of a toxic culture arising .
50 Executive PA | Autumn Issue 2025