The Toxic Workplace: Signs, Causes and Solutions

1. Bullying

Bullying is a real issue in many workplaces, but it’s also a term that gets incorrectly thrown around. Bullying is the deliberate targeting of a specific individual or group of employees. It does not include micromanagement, task requests, or negative feedback based on poor performance. Instead, bullying comes in mockery, persistent and subtle digs, and freezing out the target from essential projects. Usually, the goal is to get the target to quit their job. 

Most bullying incidents can be traced back to a single ringleader, and getting rid of them fixes the problem. Some workers prefer to ignore bullying because they don’t want to become the bully’s new target. Still, management must identify and resolve the issue before it spreads. Handling bullies is challenging and often requires the help of human resources - whether to speed up their exit, or help make adjustments. Carefully document any incidents and give them to HR rather than trying to handle a bully on your own. Once the culprit is ejected, ensure you have a clear anti-bullying policy that everyone follows.

2. Declining Collaboration & Productivity

If you’re seeing collaboration decrease between departments and/or teams, it may be because a specific person or incident is poisoning the well.

A noticeable drop not explained by vacations or other potential causes should be addressed by talking to the people involved to understand if someone or something is preventing collaboration. 

Negative company culture also lowers productivity, with 70% of workers saying that a decrease in their psychological well-being results in less productivity, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2024 “Work in America” survey.

Measuring productivity is best done with a purpose-built tool rather than cobbling together metrics from various solutions. We have a guide detailing what metrics businesses should use to gauge productivity, and Prodoscore offers accurate, near-real-time productivity data to shed light on how people are contributing.

3. Lack of Recognition

When a project is completed well and on time, co-workers are typically eager to congratulate each other on their accomplishments. Managers are expected to offer recognition to staff who have done a good job. It may be worth looking into if you notice a lack of kudos around the office. This doesn’t mean enforcing recognition, as it shouldn’t be a requirement - it’s just a potential signal if employees and managers aren’t actively engaging in the practice.

4. Bad Management

A manager doesn’t have to be a bully to encourage a toxic workplace. Culture can take a nosedive if senior management doesn’t clearly set expectations and communicate transparently. 

To combat this, a company-wide policy on performance reviews and communication with employees must be ensured; managers also need clear guidelines to follow. Department heads, for example, should have regular one-on-ones with their team members. Senior executives should hold quarterly town halls. The more informed employees feel, and the more precise they are about their job responsibilities, the more secure they’ll be in their positions.

5. Less Socializing

In a happy workplace, people get lunch together, grab each other coffee, have discussions that aren’t work-related, and just generally vibe well together. Even the most introverted person isn’t going to mind a lunch or coffee break with a co-worker once in a while. If you start to see less socializing, it could be a sign that your people are afraid to have personal conversations with one another or that they are “quiet quitting.” 

When people are afraid to socialize, there’s usually a reason. While personal friendships with co-workers shouldn’t be forced by management, they’ll naturally develop in a healthy workplace over time. Where they’re absent, your culture could be turning.