It’s a reality that everyone who works in an office setting faces – dealing with office politics. And while a bit of drama is always possible when passionate people gather, a culture of deep, entrenched, and toxic office politics can be destructive to the success of any organization.

In a healthy work environment, employees feel supported and are empowered to make decisions. When things take a turn for the worse, office politics become more focused on power and control.

The statistics don’t lie. A rising tide of toxic office politics can lead to a drop in employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity. Here are some key findings from the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey:

• It’s a gender issue: More females (23%) reported a toxic workplace than males (15%).
• Toxicity exists across environments: Employees in nonprofit and government organizations reported more toxic environments (25% and 26%, respectively) compared to those in private industry (17%)
• The problem’s rising: About 19% of respondents labeled their workplace as toxic, indicating widespread issues with infighting, intimidation, and other behaviors that harm productivity

As it’s said, people don’t leave a bad job, they leave a bad culture.

So, how can you spot the difference between a healthy work environment and one where toxic office politics reign supreme? Let’s take a look at the red flags that indicate there’s a problem in your workplace – and how to address it before it burns your team to the ground.

Warning Signs A Culture Is Toxic

Sometimes the toxicity in a workplace is so obvious that it can be felt in the air. Other times, however, it’s more subtle and hard to spot until you’re in too deep. Here are some common signs of an unhealthy work environment:

Sign 1: Silence reigns.

A toxic workplace can often be marked by a lack of communication, collaboration, and openness. People are afraid to voice their opinions or share ideas in fear of being put down or punished.

Sign 2: Bullying.

Team members who feel safe to behave inappropriately due to a lack of repercussions might resort to intimidating, harassing, or belittling other coworkers. Even micro-aggressions can add up and create a hostile work climate.

Sign 3: Unclear expectations.

A lack of direction from leadership can lead to confusion, frustration, and feelings of inadequacy among team members. When roles and responsibilities are unclear or changing frequently, people may become disengaged and have difficulty focusing on tasks at hand.

Sign 4: No way to grow.

A stagnant work environment can stunt professional growth and lead to burnout. People in this situation may lack the motivation or resources necessary to reach their potential, leading to decreased productivity and morale.

Sign 5: Consistent turnover.

A revolving door – especially during otherwise stable times – can be a sign of trouble. If staff members keep leaving and new ones coming in, it could be a symptom of deeper issues within the organization that need to be addressed.

Healthy Cultures Breed Collaboration

Here’s the hard reality – you often don’t realize that a workplace has become toxic until it’s nearly impossible to turn back the clock. What’s necessary is a proactive approach to creating an environment of trust, transparency, and collaboration.

So, what are the signs that you may be thriving rather than just surviving? Here are some key indicators of a healthy workplace culture:

Open Communication Enables Idea Flow

When organizations are healthy, communication has a way of flowing freely. Managers are open to hearing new ideas and engaging their employees in meaningful conversations. Employees feel the freedom to express their opinions and the courage to take initiative. This kind of communication encourages idea-sharing, creativity, and innovation in the workplace.

Collaborative Decisions Reflect Collective Wisdom

Ever find yourself in a situation where you disagree with the majority? A healthy work environment is one where everyone has an opportunity to be heard, and decisions are made through open dialogue. Rather than feeling silenced, employees can share their perspectives and benefit from the group’s collective wisdom.

Shared Responsibility & Accountability

Everyone has a role to play, and everyone sees each other as part of the big picture. Creating a culture of shared responsibility and accountability allows team members to work together towards common goals, hold each other accountable for their actions, and develop trust in one another.

Investment in People Spurs Growth

When people feel they have a place to grow, they’re more likely to stay engaged and be motivated to help the company reach its goals. Investing in employees with professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and rewards for a job well done are some of the ways employers can show how important their people are.

Appreciation Energizes & Motivates

Ultimately, when employees feel appreciated, it can elevate their work performance. Acknowledging a job well done or showing gratitude for someone’s hard work goes a long way when it comes to motivating team members. When individuals – regardless of their role or seniority – feel valued, they’re more likely to trust and respect one another, which builds a healthy company culture where everyone can thrive.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the health of your work culture matters for both ethical and practical reasons. Beyond protecting the basic dignity and safety of employees, constructive office politics directly enables stronger business performance.

Where transparency and idea flow flourish, innovation accelerates through collaborative friction. Teams unify around a shared purpose rather than pursuing narrow self-interests. Wins become collective, failures are shared, and everyone’s growth is supported.

Skilled employees seek air where oxygen flows – so pay attention to the character of influence in your organization. Champion ethical standards through what you reward and suppress. Facilitate transparency and engage all voices. And remember, people fuel the machine. Invest in their growth as the leaders of tomorrow.

Positive cultures allow us each to put our best foot forward. The alternative costs too much to accept. Choose wisely.