Increasingly, people in Generations Y and Z are complaining about or leaving their workplace because they define it as toxic. But what does this actually mean, and is such a label placed on an employer fairly?
Toxic behaviours
Whether a particular place is toxic very much depends on a person’s personal feeling. Sometimes certain behaviors can be described as toxic and actually not be. One might get a different answer to the question of whether a co-worker is difficult to work with if people she or he works with are asked.
Behaviors that are definitely toxic are yelling at work, using nicknames and other names, or making inappropriate jokes. These non-inclusive behaviors make people feel out of place, demotivated, and may eventually leave.
One-off or tendentious
Professor Conson Locke, Professor of Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science, emphasises that we need more information to define a person as toxic. The one-off occurrence of a behaviour is not enough. It is important to understand whether the behaviour is tendentious, aimed at excluding a person, or whether it is typical behaviour. For employees who are new to the company, a way to find out is by talking to colleagues with more experience in the company, or by taking the time to get more information.
As a rule, if the behavior is directed against a person, that makes it toxic. If it’s something the person does regularly and treats everyone the same, that doesn’t necessarily make it toxic, but with conversation, it can lead to clarification and even change.
Misunderstanding and cultural differences
It is possible that the person whose behaviour is excluding others does not realise that what they are doing is making others feel uncomfortable. In such situations, friendly conversation and asking key questions such as “What do you mean when you say that?” is recommended. It should not be assumed what the person meant by his/her comment, so asking this question gives him/her an opportunity to explain.
A difference in culture can lead to misunderstanding and a feeling of being ignored. If a behaviour is normal and accepted in one culture, it may be perceived as offensive in another.
Whether a person is in a senior or entry-level position, it is always a good idea to have a conversation before resorting to formal accusations or complaints to the HR department.
