Spotting and Stopping Toxic Workplace Culture: How to Keep Your Workplace Positive and Productive

If people seem drained, detached, or simply going through the motions, it’s a sign that morale is low. You might see fewer smiles around the office, a drop in enthusiasm during meetings, and disengaged conversations.

Start by understanding what your team values. Simple gestures like celebrating small wins, providing regular feedback, and recognizing efforts can go a long way. A culture of appreciation encourages people to put their best foot forward and feel valued.

A revolving door of employees is one of the biggest indicators of a toxic culture. If people are constantly leaving, it’s essential to figure out why.

Conduct exit interviews to get honest feedback, but don’t wait until someone is leaving to check in. Regular, one-on-one check-ins allow you to understand how your employees feel and what they need to succeed. Creating clear paths for career growth and opportunities can also boost retention.

Are certain people or groups consistently working together while excluding others? Cliques can foster feelings of resentment and make others feel left out.

Encourage teamwork and cross-functional projects so that everyone gets to know one another. Hosting inclusive team-building activities and emphasizing collaboration can help break down barriers and encourage open connections.

When employees feel like their hard work goes unnoticed, it leads to disengagement and low morale. Lack of acknowledgment, or even inconsistent recognition, can send the message that efforts don’t matter.

Make recognition a core part of your culture. It doesn’t have to be grand – even a simple “thank you” can make someone’s day. Regular check-ins and performance reviews provide the space to give meaningful feedback and show appreciation.

A culture where gossip and drama are the norm can quickly become toxic. If employees are spending more time in drama than productive work, it’s time to address the issue.

Promote a policy of open communication and mutual respect. Encourage people to address issues directly with each other rather than letting them fester or become gossip fodder. Leading by example and establishing a zero-tolerance approach to disrespectful behavior will create a safer environment.

When people are afraid to speak up or share ideas, that’s a sign of a culture lacking trust. Ineffective communication can lead to confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities.

Be transparent and encourage open dialogue. Let your team know they can come to you with ideas, questions, or concerns. Regularly sharing updates and involving employees in decision-making can help build trust and foster a positive culture.

If employees feel they’re expected to be “on” 24/7, burnout is inevitable. Over time, this leads to dissatisfaction, exhaustion, and even resentment.

Make work-life balance a priority. Respect boundaries by not expecting instant responses to emails outside work hours. Encourage time off, and support flexible work arrangements when possible. Showing you care about your team’s well-being goes a long way toward creating a loyal and motivated workforce.

Favoritism, discrimination, or unequal treatment of employees is a sure sign of a toxic environment. Employees must feel safe, respected, and valued regardless of their background or role.

Have clear policies and make inclusivity a foundational value in your workplace. Ensure that all employees have equal access to opportunities, and foster a culture of diversity and respect.