Workplace culture and environment can have a significant impact on employee's mental and physical health. Organizations that create a toxic work culture are responsible for creating a hostile work environment, leading to employees' immense stress and, in most cases, a poor work-life balance.
In this episode of "WHAT THE TECH", we explore the prevalence of toxic workplaces and how it impacts employees. We will also discuss strategies for self-care and survival with a human resource manager. It is essential to recognize the importance of a supportive workplace and how high levels of stress can lead to job dissatisfaction, burnout, and dwindling employee retention.
Victims of workplace bullying can protect themselves by taking notes of incidents and talking to HR or the person above their boss. - Kristi Chaney
The workplace environment is essential in determining the overall well-being of employees. A comfortable and supportive work culture can boost motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction, while toxic work cultures can create an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and unhappiness.
Workplace bullying, harassment, and discrimination are among many toxic behaviors that can impact employees' psychological and physical health. These behaviors are prevalent in workplaces today, causing employees to experience immense stress, depression, anxiety, and in worst cases, physical trauma.
In the past several years, social issues and the pandemic have transformed the nature of work. The pandemic has caused people to rethink traditional 9 to 5 workdays. As a result, the Great Resignation has unfolded as people search for better opportunities.
With the rapid onset of remote work, it has become challenging to maintain team morale, productivity, and prevent bullying and harassment. This requires a different approach to creating and maintaining workplace culture. Building a positive workplace culture that supports employees' mental and physical health is crucial to avoid burnout, low morale, and high turnover.
Workplace bullying laws vary from state to state, with each region having unique priorities and political dynamics. Private organizations tend to address toxic environments naturally due to their direct impact on their profitability and recruitment efforts.
However, creating a positive workplace culture is more than complying with laws, policies, and procedures. Companies that prioritize their employees’ well-being and are transparent about their decision-making process create a more supportive and respectful environment.
Statistics provided by the Workplace Bullying Institute indicate that there has been a 30% direct rate of bullying in the workplace in 2021, up from 50% in 2017. Remote work bares a particular high bullying rate, at 43.2%. Targeted employees have a 67% chance of losing their occupation because of bullying, further highlighting the magnitude of the problem.
Addressing workplace bullying and creating and maintaining healthy workplace culture requires a multi-faceted approach. Business leaders can engage employees through open communicative channels, regular check-ins, company-wide surveys, and employee evaluations.
Conclusion
Workplace bullying is a significant cause for concern, and there's still a lot to be done to eradicate it. Moving forward, organizations need to take a proactive approach in creating a supportive and positive work culture that supports mental wellness.
Business owners and human resource managers must prioritize their employees' mental and physical well-being by combating bullying, creating transparent communication practices, and implementing innovative health programs.
A healthy and thriving workplace culture can contribute to happier employees, a more engaged workforce, and a more productive business overall. So, it is high time for business owners and executives to acknowledge the importance of a positive work environment and implement ways to sustain a supportive and collaborative work culture.
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