S1E02: Part 2 16 Traits of a Toxic Workplace to look out for!

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01/24/23 • 57 min

Let's Break Up - Toxic Workplace Stories

During this episode (part 2 of a 3 part series) we deep dive into the 16 traits of toxic workplaces according to FastCompany. We cover off the following signs of toxic workplaces and align them to the organisation we met at.
1. High Turnover
2. A culture of cronyism or nepotism
3. Structural Fear of retribution
4. Gossip
5. Troubling behaviours and body language
6. Reserved team members or team members do did not participate
7. No Trust between colleges
8. Lack of Confidence in leadership
9. Inflexible communication
10. Disengaged Employees
11. No time to reflect
12. Tension in the office
13. Non-Verbal Feedback
14. Fear of speaking Candidly
15. Hesitancy to ask challenging questions
16. Uncertain work responsibilities and boundaries
Let's Break Up - Toxic Workplace Stories is Hosted by Gina and Nicola, both experienced in the corporate world and now deep diving in to the toxic workplace culture. Weekly interviews with people around the world, reflecting on their experiences and lessons learned to share with and support others potentially experiencing similar situations.Each week we include tips to identify and overcome some of the challenges associated with toxic workplaces.

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This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast , you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this podcast.
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Previous Episode

S1 E 01 - Part One: How we met at a toxic workplace

In this episode (Part 1 of 3), we talk about how we met and the toxic environment we met in. Part 1 is all about how we met! Join us for Part 2 and Part 3, where we discuss the 16 signs of toxic workplaces and how the role toxic positivity plays in the workplace!
We detail how we were "Broken Up" within the toxic workplace, and some of the red flags we realised were toxic only after leaving the organisation.
Workplaces that are toxic generate conflict, rivalry, low morale, ongoing stress, negativity, illness, high turnover, and even bullying. What's worse? Workplaces that are toxic are rarely just a "work" thing
Usually, they follow you home. They dominate your interactions with family members, rob you of much-needed sleep, and generally raise your anxiety and stress levels.
Stressful work environments can cause burnout, depression, self-esteem harm, stress, and other major interruptions to your daily life.
The equivalent of experiencing each of these difficulties again without a break is a toxic work environment. Red flags are piled on top of each other. It's a manager who uses passive aggression or insensitive remarks made by your coworkers about the employee you replaced. It has fewer (or none at all) boundaries.
It's mansplaining, gaslighting, and microaggressions.
Let's Break Up - Toxic Workplace Stories is Hosted by Gina and Nicola, both experienced in the corporate world and now deep diving in to the toxic workplace culture. Weekly interviews with people around the world, reflecting on their experiences and lessons learned to share with and support others potentially experiencing similar situations.Each week we include tips to identify and overcome some of the challenges associated with toxic workplaces.

Support the show

Next Episode

S1 E03 Part 3: Toxic Positivity in the workplace - Did we actually meet in a workplace cult?

Toxic positivity is the overgeneralization of happiness and optimism in all circumstances, which we define as being excessive and unhelpful. Denial, reduction, and invalidation of the genuine human emotional experience are the outcomes of toxic positivity.
When positivity is used to mask or stifle the human experience, it becomes toxic, just like anything done in excess. We enter a condition of denial and repressed emotions when we refuse to acknowledge the existence of certain emotions. The fact is that people have flaws. We experience jealousy, rage, resentment, and avarice. Sometimes, life can be utterly miserable. We undermine the legitimacy of a true human experience by acting as though we are "good vibes all day."
Toxic positivity manifests itself in a variety of ways, some of which are listed here to assist you identify it.
- concealing or masking your genuine emotions
- Stuffing or disregarding an emotion in an effort to "just get on with it" (s)
feeling guilty about how you're feeling
- Utilizing "feel good" words or sentiments to downplay other people's hardships
- Giving someone perspective (e.g., "It could be worse") rather than acknowledging their emotions
- Shaming or reprimanding people for showing annoyance or any other emotion other than gratitude
- putting things out of your mind by saying, "It is what it is"
Let's Break Up - Toxic Workplace Stories is Hosted by Gina and Nicola, both experienced in the corporate world and now deep diving in to the toxic workplace culture. Weekly interviews with people around the world, reflecting on their experiences and lessons learned to share with and support others potentially experiencing similar situations.Each week we include tips to identify and overcome some of the challenges associated with toxic workplaces.

Support the show

Let's Break Up - Toxic Workplace Stories - S1E02: Part 2 16 Traits of a Toxic Workplace to look out for!

Transcript

Nicola 1:24
Okay, so I think, you know, one of the things that we're going to talk about I think today is, you know, what is traditional workplace toxicity. And I know that you went and found kind of 16 signs of a toxic workplace according to company, which actually were really valid, and I really enjoyed reading through them. So I thought it was a really good idea to maybe go through each one of them and kind of highlights how the toxic organisation that we meet in how those lined up with