The victims of a toxic work culture are often the employees. While the onus is on management to define and correct the culture where necessary, they stand a higher chance of getting that done if they get feedback from and involve the employees. It’s people who make the culture. If you change your own mindset and the way you go about things at work it can have a positive knock-on effect for everyone:

• Try to have a positive mindset

• It can help to tune out (although sometimes this is very difficult if you are being specifically affected by others around you)

• Try to find humour in everyday work situations

• Don't bring work issues home with you (this can also be difficult if you are feeling low, anxious and worried about going into work the next day and particularly if you work from home)

• Don't engage in the office gossip

• Take breaks every now and then

• MAKE SURE YOU TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT 

Having an employee culture where the employee is made to feel as important as the owners of the business, where they understand their role and the part they play to make a business successful, goes a long way to eliminating a toxic work culture and will often prevent those who might be divisive from having a voice!  

Further reading:

• What is toxicity in the workplace?

• How can you spot toxicity in the workplace?

Alexandra Lichtenfeld - a workplace wellbeing specialist for 87% and business mentor who works with business owners, senior management teams and entrepreneurs changing the face of employee wellbeing, getting the best out of their business practices and employees.