- 12 Feb, 2025
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Are You a Manager? Here’s 5 Tips to Achieving a Toxic-Free Environment.
Creating a toxic-free environment is crucial for fostering a healthy, productive workplace. As a manager in any organisation, it is your duty to oversee every activity including the welfare of the employees and ensure they are working in a stable and toxic-free environment. In as much as people are different and characters may differ, a manager should ensure everyone gets along professionally at work and get work done.
Fortunately the ReTrain culture cultivated and emphasizes the positive impact of a toxic-free environment and we will be sharing some tips we have learned on how to achieve a constructive work culture:
- Encourage Open Communication
Open communication is crucial for fostering transparency and trust within a team. When employees feel they can speak freely without the fear of backlash within the workplace they’re more likely to express themselves freely, share their ideas and thoughts. Addressing concerns early contributes to a positive team dynamic. Here’s how to go about open communication and why it is important.
- Hold regular one-on-ones and team meetings where employees can express ideas and concerns.
- Encourage feedback both from managers to employees and vice versa. Create feedback loops that are constructive rather than punitive.
- Make sure to listen actively when employees share their thoughts. It’s not just about hearing them – it’s about validating and acting on their input when possible.
Open communication matters a lot because when communication is stifled, misunderstandings, resentment and frustration tend to build up which can create a toxic and unhealthy culture. Open communication allows problems to be addressed before they escalate.
- Lead by Example
As a manager, you are the constant model for positive behaviour. You set the tone for your team. If you aim to create a toxic-free environment you will need to constantly exhibit behaviours that encourage respect, collaboration and professionalism.
If you’re openly negative, dismissive or disrespectful, your team is likely to mirror such behaviour. Qualities like handling a challenging situation with grace, admitting to your mistakes and taking responsibility will help to create an environment of trust and accountability.
It is a known fact that toxicity often thrives in environments where emotions run high, so staying calm and consistent as a manager is very crucial.
If you’re quick to anger or react impulsively, it can cause stress and anxiety among your team. A manager who stays calm and handles stressful situations with tact helps to reduce tension. Consistency in your approach also matters. Being unpredictable can create confusion and frustration, while predictable behaviour gives employees a sense of safety and stability.
- Prioritise Work-Life Balance & Mental Health
Setting boundaries in the work environment is very crucial. When employees feel like they are constantly expected to work late hours, sacrifice personal time or are unable to disconnect from work, exhaustion sets in. A culture of overwork creates resentment and stress leading to toxic behaviours.
It’s essential for managers to set clear boundaries for work hours and encourage employees to take regular breaks, time off and even vacations.
Respecting these boundaries sets a standard that employees can follow to promoting a healthier work-life balance and improving overall productivity. Mental health support is often a neglected aspect of workplace culture especially in Nigeria, but it’s crucial for a toxic-free environment.
Managers should not only promote but actively support mental health initiatives. Offering resources like counseling, workshops on stress management or creating a mentally safe space where employees can share their struggles is essential.
A workplace that acknowledges the importance of mental well-being and actively works to support it reduces anxiety, promotes empathy and decreases the likelihood of negative behaviour and interpersonal conflicts among employees.
- Foster a Culture of Respect and Inclusion
An inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and respected is key to preventing toxicity. We advise managers to promote and encourage diversity in all forms.
Managers should create opportunities for employees to work together, share ideas and build relationships. This can help eliminate bias, favouritism and discrimination which ultimately reduces competition and promotes teamwork, making it less unlikely for toxic behaviors to thrive.
An environment where all staff feel equal yet aware of their work-levels eradicates negativity and breeds positive energy.
- Encourage Growth and Development
Employees who feel they are growing professionally are less likely to become disengaged or resentful. Empower employees by trusting them to manage their responsibilities. Offer training, mentorship and opportunities for advancement to foster a sense of purpose and job satisfaction.
Instead of micromanaging, which can cause frustration and feelings of helplessness, which eventually contributes to a toxic culture, provide guidance and support while giving employees the freedom to succeed on their own. Provide constructive feedback and recognition. This feedback boosts morale and motivates employees. When offering criticism focus on the behaviour, not the person. This prevents employees from feeling personally attacked, which can lead to defensive or toxic reactions.
In conclusion, managers are the ones who can influence the work culture. By demonstrating the behaviours you wish to see, encouraging open communication, encouraging growth and development and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, you set the stage for success. A toxic-free workplace leads to happier employees, better teamwork, higher productivity and long-term organisational success.
We at Retrain strongly believe in a toxic-free environment for improved productivity. We hope managers put these steps into action at their organisation.
See you in the next blog!