How to Heal a Toxic Work Situation

You can tell when you're in a toxic workplace just by looking around. Employees don't smile. They don't talk to one another, or if they do, the do it in little clumps hidden away from any prying eyes and listening ears. Don't allow your own workplace to sink into a trap of toxicity, gossip and negativity. Instead, take a few simple, proactive steps to begin to bring healing into a toxic work environment.

Set High Expectations

If you're stepping in to a toxic workplace with the goal of setting things right, start at the top. Begin with the workplace's managers and leaders. These are the people who have allowed the toxic environment to exist and have perhaps even enabled it. Without focusing on blame or recriminations, make it very clear that the expectations for healthy workplace behavior start immediately. Set the bar high and demand that the leaders set an example. By seeing who provides pushback, you'll know if any management changes are needed.

Be Honest

A toxic workplace is typically one in which everyone tells lies, if only for self-protection. Set a new standard by telling the truth and being absolutely honest about the problems the workplace is facing. Admit when mistakes are made, admit any fault you have, and treat others with respect and dignity when they admit mistakes as well. If the company is facing hard times, be honest with the employees about the situation and about what is needed to correct it.

Take Immediate and Visible Action

Many leaders step into toxic workplaces with big promises about how things are going to change; it happens so often in some companies that these announcements just provoke eye rolling from the employees. Instead of talking about change, demonstrate immediately that you are committed to change. Take time not just to talk to employees but also to listen to them. Look for an immediate and visible change you can make in the midst of the still-toxic workplace that will give employees hope. Choose a symbolic action that lets employees know that you plan to pay attention to their needs. Without positive and visible action, any goals or expectations remain only words.

Empower Employees

Employees who have been in a toxic workplace often feel helpless, convinced there is nothing they can do to make their environment change. Show them this isn't true by empowering them both with information and with power to make decisions. Be transparent about your plans and about the employees' part in those plans, and don't keep secrets. Give them greater power to make decisions regarding their own positions, whether it's the ability to provide customers with incentives without asking permission or the ability to set their own hours. Once employees start feeling trusted, they are less likely to contribute to any toxicity.

A toxic workplace can't be changed just by talking about it. Real, demonstrable changes are needed quickly to help turn things around. Begin by being forthright with employees and trying to identify the sources of the toxicity. As employees feel more trusted and empowered, you are likely to see the emergence of a healthy workplace where toxicity once reigned.

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