How to Turn Toxic Workplace Behaviour Around

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a toxic work environment? One where every breath feels like a struggle, every task feels like a chore, and every colleague feels like a pest? You know, the kind of place I’m talking about where everyone is at each other’s throats, the coffee machine is always broken, and the air conditioning is set to ‘arctic winter.’

Believe me; I’ve been there. I’ve seen it all, from the passive-aggressive emails to the eye-rolling and sarcastic comments. And let me tell you; it’s not a fun place to be. But what causes a toxic work environment? Well, it all boils down to one thing: poor office etiquette.

Office etiquette, or workplace behaviour, refers to the unwritten rules and expectations that govern how people interact with each other in a professional setting. It’s the basic manners and social graces that make a workplace run smoothly, like saying please and thank you, respecting each other’s personal space, and being considerate of each other’s time.

When office etiquette is disregarded or neglected, it can quickly lead to a toxic work environment. People become rude, uncooperative, and generally unpleasant to be around. They gossip, complain, and criticize each other, creating a hostile and unproductive atmosphere that ultimately hurts everyone involved.

I know what you’re thinking: “But Janine, I’m busy, and I don’t have time to worry about office etiquette. I have work to do!” And I get it, I really do. We all have deadlines to meet, quotas to fill, and bosses to impress. But the thing is, office etiquette is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Ignoring it can lead to decreased productivity, increased turnover rates, and reduced profits.

But fear not, for I am here to help. I have studied workplace behaviour, and I’ve come up with a few tips and tricks to help you navigate the treacherous waters of office etiquette and avoid a toxic work environment.

Lead by Example

As the saying goes, “Monkey see, monkey do.” And it’s true. People tend to mimic the behaviour of those around them, especially those in positions of authority. So, if you’re a manager or a team leader, you must set the tone for the workplace. Be respectful, kind, and considerate towards your employees. Demonstrate the behaviour you expect from your team, and they will follow suit.

Communicate Effectively

Communication is vital in any relationship, including the workplace. Ensure that all employees know the office etiquette standards and the importance of adhering to them. Encourage open and honest communication among team members, and create space and opportunities for employees to express their concerns without fear of negative consequences. This can be done through regular team meetings or one-on-one sessions with team members. Make it a point to listen to your employees and promptly address any concerns they may have. This will foster a positive work environment and increase employee engagement and loyalty.

Celebrate Achievements

Celebrating achievements, both big and small, can help boost morale and create a sense of camaraderie among team members. It’s important to recognize the hard work and effort put in by each team member and show appreciation for their contributions. This can be as simple as a shout-out in a team meeting or a small gift to say thank you. 

Encourage Teamwork

Encourage teamwork and collaboration among team members. Create opportunities for employees to work together and reward team efforts. This will foster a sense of belonging and create a positive work atmosphere that encourages productivity. Remember, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. By working together, you can achieve more than you ever could alone.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is also crucial in maintaining a positive work environment. Encourage employees to take breaks when needed and respect each other’s work hours. This will create a positive work-life balance and help prevent burnout. Encourage employees to use their vacation time and take time off when needed. Doing so will ensure that your employees are well-rested and productive and prevent them from leaving the company due to burnout.

Providing Training

This is where I can step in to help establish appropriate office etiquette and workplace behaviour via one of my flexible workshop programs. My programs are designed to suit your needs precisely by offering a full menu of topics you can select from to create your workshop. It can help tremendously if a third party (Me) establishes a new understanding and helps pave the ‘new way’ forward, especially when things have historically been less than perfect. Training is an ideal springboard to launch into a new understanding of how things will be from that point forward and act as a reference point if future issues arise.

Address Issues Promptly

Finally, addressing issues promptly is crucial in maintaining a positive work environment. If you notice any issues with office etiquette, address them promptly. Ignoring the problem will only worsen it and lead to a toxic work environment. Addressing the problem promptly will help prevent the behaviour from becoming a habit and ensure everyone in the workplace is treated respectfully.

In conclusion, office etiquette is crucial in creating a positive work atmosphere that fosters productivity, teamwork, and ultimately, increased profits. Poor office etiquette can lead to a toxic work environment that negatively impacts morale, productivity, and customer experience. However, turning around a toxic work environment is possible. By leading by example, communicating effectively, celebrating achievements, encouraging teamwork, setting boundaries, providing training, and addressing issues promptly, you can create a positive work environment that fosters productivity and, ultimately, helps your company succeed. Remember, a happy and productive workplace is a recipe for success.

Let’s get the ball rolling.