Seven ways to change a toxic work environment

A toxic work environment means trouble for any organisation. It will make attracting and retaining the very best talent impossible and will lead to widespread disengagement and burnout among employees.

Your HR team needs to determine if the culture of your organisation is healthy or not and take steps to change it if necessary. Here are some of the key ways to change a toxic work environment.

Foster psychological safety

At the heart of most toxic work environments is fear. Employees are afraid to say what they think, admit mistakes and report issues – which means nothing changes. You need to foster a culture where employees feel that they can talk about these things without the fear of negative consequences.

Enhance leadership and transparency

Change within an organisation has to come from the top. Those in leadership positions should take accountability for its culture and demonstrate correct behaviours and attitudes. These include transparency, respect and inclusivity.

Implement clear policies and accountability

HR should put in place zero-tolerance policies for dealing with toxic behaviour. Everyone should be made aware of them and held accountable where necessary.

Encourage open communication

It is not enough just to ensure employees feel safe speaking up – you need to actively ask them to do so. Set up channels where they can report instances of toxic behaviour anonymously. You should also make open communication a core value.

Address toxic behaviours directly

If someone is found to have repeatedly engaged in toxic behaviours that are contrary to your organisation’s values, this must be addressed directly. That could mean disciplinary action or even dismissal.

Rebuild trust and recognition

You can rebuild trust after an incident of this kind by recognising those who brought it to your attention. Employees who model the right behaviours and attitudes – as well as meeting work targets – should receive recognition and rewards.

Support employee wellness

A healthy work environment is one where the mental and physical wellbeing of employees is a priority. Look at offering flexible working where possible as well as getting HR to put in place Employee Assistance Programmes.

For outsourced HR services in Northampton that can help you to implement culture change, call FiveRivers Consulting right away.