What to do about toxic workplace

 

What to do about toxic workplace

Channel: Sky news

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMgMSJx-ZPo&t=1s

 News, S. (2023, June 14). Daily Podcast: Toxic Workplace Culture and what to do about it. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMgMSJx-ZPo&t=1s

Addressing problems is the most effective way to resolve them, typically involving two parties: one seeking a solution and the other possessing the authority to solve the issue. In a recent Sky News podcast hosted by Kimberley Leonard, various companies in the UK facing serious allegations of bullying, sexual misconduct, and toxic work environments are examined. The severity of these problems becomes evident as you continue listening. Numerous high-ranking individuals within these companies seem to evade significant consequences for their actions.

Sky News attempted to interview one such individual who was involved in a relationship with a much younger person and faced allegations of workplace bullying, but the interviewee avoided addressing the topic entirely. The podcast delves into how these individuals manage to evade consequences and continue to live comfortably. Additionally, it explores the problematic practice of using money to silence employees who have experienced a toxic workplace environment.

Frances Frei, in a recent discussion (2023), emphasizes that when dealing with a toxic work environment, the best initial step is to engage with the HR department. Meaningful change often occurs when a significant number of people unite to address the issue. However, the real world doesn't always align with idealistic ideals, as not everyone is willing to change.

She later suggests that if a workplace remains unchanged despite efforts, the best course of action may be to seek alternative employment. Sometimes, environments that grant unconditional power to management are resistant to change, and for one's own well-being, it might be better to move on and find a different job.

Listening to this podcast left me quite unsettled. Usually, we only hear about workplace toxicity when something major makes headlines on the news. But the realization that every workplace may harbor some level of toxicity, often going unnoticed, is deeply disconcerting. When Sky News attempted to address allegations of bullying and received dismissive responses, it struck a personal chord. I recalled a past experience where a former colleague was targeted by a senior employee and reporting it to management seemed futile. Eventually, that coworker was let go for a minor reason, and the situation was never resolved. The unchecked power that some senior employees wield can be incredibly frustrating when there seems to be no recourse.