Toxicity vs ‘workplace culture’

One of the most common ways toxic workplaces often disguise harmful behaviours as part of their ‘workplace culture,’ is by promoting a false sense of family and belonging. “You’ll often hear phrases like, ‘You are part of our family now,’ accompanied by promises of great things if you can handle the pressure of the job. However, it’s never revealed at the inception of employment that this pressure is going to damage your physical and mental health, your relationships at home... That you will have to sacrifice everything that is important to you for your paycheck... That you could even die,” says Burns.

“An environment that demands working over and above your prescribed working hours and days on a constant basis, that allows you no freedom of speech or decision making, that offers you minimal positive feedback or reward, in which you feel disrespected and unfairly treated and where values are unsound is toxic. These factors are not the ‘nature of the job’.”

Employees who are naturally motivated to do a good job may not immediately see the red flags. According to experts, the key to recognising when ambition has become unhealthy lies in evaluating how you’re functioning in all areas of your life. “When you realise that you’re not the partner, parent, friend, or even the employee you used to be, it’s a strong indication that something is wrong,” says Burns. Additionally, if the job that once filled you with passion now leaves you feeling drained and disillusioned, a toxic work environment may be to blame.

For those who find themselves in this precarious situation, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial. “Assertiveness promotes confidence, which gives you some power in the face of circumstances that are beyond your control,” says Burns.

“For example, you cannot change the manager who makes unreasonable demands, but you do have the right to say ‘no’. Unfortunately, not everyone in the work environment will appreciate your assertiveness, but you need to persevere regardless, knowing that it is the right approach for your own mental health."

"One of the most insidious tactics used in toxic workplaces is gaslighting—a form of psychological manipulation that causes hard working employees to doubt their abilities and even their sanity. Toxic environments are often rife with back-biting and blame-shifting, as individuals attempt to protect their fragile self-esteem. Burns explains, “These tactics can be directed at genuinely hard workers causing them to start believing they are the problem and adversely affecting their self-esteem and confidence. They might, in turn, withdraw and disengage at work, adversely affecting their career progression.”

“In many cases, toxic managers, sometimes referred to as ‘snakes in suits’, or narcissists will try to befriend you. Once they have you on their side, you are a victim that they can easily manipulate into believing that they really care about you. You will feel grateful not only for your job but for them as a friend and you will therefore accept the unfair treatment they dish out to you. The truth is, they don’t care about you at all, they only care about meeting their own ends and how you can help them in meeting these ends. Most employees will realise this eventually, but only after they have suffered severe damage to their mental health.”

Employees in a toxic work environment might feel trapped due to job insecurity. Despite the risk of job loss, adopting a speak-up policy and addressing these issues is essential for creating a healthier work environment. “Employees should report issues to their line manager or HR,” says Burns. “It’s important to challenge the narrative that toxic experiences are just part of the job.”

The challenge of holding organisations accountable for perpetuating toxic behaviours is significant. Burns expresses hope that one day it becomes compulsory for organisations to implement the guidelines of the recently released ISO45003 (guidelines to manage psychosocial risk) and that random audits be undertaken accordingly. While it is compulsory for workplaces to comply with certain physical health and safety regulations, unfortunately the same does not yet apply to mental health and safety.

Recognising the signs of a toxic workplace is the first step toward protecting yourself from its harmful effects. By understanding the root causes and being vigilant about the red flags, employees can better navigate the challenges of modern corporate life, ensuring their mental health and well-being remain top priority.

Protecting your mental health in a toxic workplace starts with recognising the signs: gaslighting, manipulation and excessive demands. By setting boundaries, seeking support, and prioritising your well-being, you can resist the harmful effects of a toxic environment.

Your mental health is invaluable and no job is worth compromising it. Advocate for yourself and strive to work in an environment that uplifts you rather than diminishes your potential.