Toxic Workplace

 

TOXIC WORKPLACE AT PF

Author: Scott Sleek

Source: https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/toxic-workplace

 

Sleek, S. (2023, July 13). Toxic workplaces leave employees sick, scared, and looking for an exit. how to combat unhealthy conditions. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/toxic-workplace

 

Workplace toxicity, as per Google's definition, can be summarized as a setting rife with significant personal conflicts. Scott Sleek's article, "Toxic workplaces leave employees sick, scared, and looking for an exit. How to combat unhealthy condition," delves deep into this concept, shedding light on the often-overlooked signs of such toxicity. It's disconcerting to note that Scott reports 1 in 5 Americans would describe their workplace as toxic, and these individuals assert that it directly impacts their mental well-being. This underscores a direct link between the stability of the work environment and an individual's mental health, suggesting that the workplace has a profound influence on one's psychological state, rather than the other way around.

Dr. Mindy Shoss's assertion that toxic workplaces can be characterized as environments of fear adds another layer to this issue. In such settings, individuals might feel compelled to either leave or attempt to resolve the issues responsible for the toxicity. Dr. Shoss further emphasizes that fear can be replaced with "energy and excitement," as noted by Sleek. The article also underscores that toxic workplaces often arise from ethical and legal transgressions like sexual harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation. This, once again, highlights the idea that the workplace significantly affects an individual's mental health, rather than the reverse.

In my personal experience, I encountered a prime example of workplace toxicity at a fast-food restaurant in Winnipeg. The fast-food establishment's upper management had a penchant for raising their voices and berating employees, creating an atmosphere of constant stress and anxiety. This yelling and aggressive behavior contributed to an oppressive work environment, making employees reluctant to speak up or share ideas. Additionally, within this toxic workplace, there was a prevailing culture of constant complaining among the staff. Colleagues often vented their frustrations about the hostile management and work conditions. The widespread complaining reflected the overall discontent and unease in the workplace, further eroding team morale and productivity. In this environment, taking credit for others' accomplishments was a common occurrence. This made people not trust each other and made teamwork really hard. This practice not only fueled mistrust among coworkers but also fostered a cutthroat culture, where teamwork and collaboration suffered. Overall, this personal experience emphasizes the critical need to address workplace toxicity, promote respectful communication, and ensure fair recognition of employees' contributions to enhance morale, mental health, and well-being.