DEVELOPMENT
For most organisations , the culture is driven through managers , who should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to build a vibrant place to work and to address toxic elements as they arise . Actions managers can take include :
w Clearly defining expectations : Establish clear behavioural and performance standards , and ensure everyone understands the consequences of not meeting them . This requires moving beyond simply stating values on a website and actively working together to understand what it means to demonstrate them in daily practice . w Promoting psychological safety : Encourage open communication , feedback , and a culture of learning from mistakes . Managers should be accessible , and demonstrate empathy to create a safe space for employees to voice concerns without fear of retribution . Addressing secrecy , which often benefits those in power at the expense of others , is crucial . w Active performance management : Managers must be equipped with the skills to address poor behaviour and performance effectively , as it arises . This includes having difficult conversations , providing clear reminders of expectations , and being able to coach and mentor employees , without resorting to micromanagement . A manager ’ s willingness to address these issues is a defining characteristic of their effectiveness . Serial offenders should be investigated and exited from the organisation . w Fostering empathy : Strong relationships are built on empathy , the ability to understand and share the feelings of another . Managers who display empathy can have a significant positive impact on employee performance . This requires understanding the individual needs and values of each team member . w Building a culture of feedback : Regular feedback is crucial for growth and improvement . Prioritise continuous feedback over traditional performance reviews , which can be timeconsuming , costly , and ineffective .
Spotting the early warning signs of a toxic culture arising provides organisations with the opportunity to address the potential ‘ rot ’ before it sets in . The consequences of not doing so can be disastrous . Negative outcomes of toxic cultures include :
w Reduced engagement , productivity & morale w Increase in mental health issues w Reputational damage w Key targets or deadlines missed w Increased turnover w Unwanted media attention
“ 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 .”
Reaping the rewards Investing in culture yields many benefits , impacting both the bottom line and the overall well-being of the workforce . These include : w Increased productivity and performance : Studies have shown a direct correlation between a positive work environment and improved productivity . Employees who are engaged , motivated , and feel valued perform better . w Enhanced engagement and morale : A vibrant culture fosters a sense of belonging , purpose , and pride in one ’ s work . This leads to higher levels of engagement and improved morale . w Reduced attrition and improved retention : Employees who feel valued and supported are likelier to stay with the organisation . This reduces the costs associated with recruitment and onboarding . w Improved reputation : A positive workplace culture attracts top talent and enhances the organisation ’ s reputation in the marketplace . w Better innovation and creativity : Psychological safety is essential for fostering innovation and creativity . When employees feel safe to take risks and share ideas , they are more likely to contribute to breakthrough solutions . w Improved well-being : A vibrant work environment reduces stress , anxiety , and burnout , promoting the overall well-being of employees . While wellness programmes can play a supporting role , they are not a substitute for addressing the root causes of toxicity .
Actively choosing to detox your culture is not a luxury ; it ’ s a business imperative . By actively addressing the root causes of toxicity and investing in the well-being of employees , organisations can unlock significant benefits that impact every aspect of their operations . Just as a rotting apple can contaminate the entire fruit bowl , a toxic culture can poison an organisation . But by cultivating a vibrant and supportive environment , businesses can reap the rewards of a vibrant , productive , and engaged workforce . S colindellis . com
THE EXPERT
Colin is a five-time best-selling author and one of the world ’ s leading workplace culture experts who helps organisations create great culture from the inside out . His latest book Detox Your Culture is out now – read more about it in our book reviews section .
Autumn Issue 2025 | Executive PA 51