Article Intent: 

To help employers understand the impact of workplace culture on employee engagement and output and to encourage positive changes in work environments for organizational growth.

Thesis: 

An unsupportive work culture harms both employee well-being and company success. When employers create positive, inclusive environments, they promote loyalty, productivity, and long-term business health.

Introduction 

Creating a positive work culture is more than just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for driving productivity, fostering commitment, and supporting the well-being of workers. Research published in the MIT Sloan Management Review identified toxic work culture as the leading cause of employee attrition, surpassing factors like job insecurity and lack of recognition. Through my recent experience in a challenging workplace, I witnessed how a toxic atmosphere can demoralize individuals and disrupt an organization’s overall success. As a background, starting my industrial experience in a hospital as a biochemistry undergraduate was exciting. It was a chance to gain hands-on experience in the medical field and work towards my long-term goal of becoming a doctor. Even though the role was unpaid, my enthusiasm was unwavering, and I was eager to contribute.

Initially, everything felt promising, and I was warmly welcomed by most of my colleagues. But soon, I encountered a challenge in the form of my immediate supervisor, a perfectionist who offered little encouragement or support. Her criticism was constant, and I began to feel that nothing I did was ever quite right. I tried to understand her perspective and improve, even asking her directly for feedback. Each time, however, she dismissed me quickly, making it clear that open communication wasn’t welcome. Eventually, her attitude became too much to handle, and I couldn’t cope with the stress any longer. I had to make the difficult choice to leave the hospital, disappointed with how things had turned out. While this is my experience, countless others have shared similar stories on X (formerly Twitter), calling out bosses for exactly this kind of behavior. If you’re an employer or manager, don’t dismiss it as “someone else’s issue.” By the end of this article, you’ll see just how much a negative work culture impacts performance—and why creating a supportive environment is one of the best investments you can make in your organization’s health and success.

The Emotional Toll of a Hostile Work Environment 

In any company, the work culture set by leadership is like background music for the whole team—either it creates harmony or leaves everyone feeling out of sync. When the environment turns hostile, filled with constant criticism, lack of constructive feedback, and dismissive attitudes, the effect is draining. Research by Aquino and Lamertz (2004) highlights that workplaces marked by incivility lead to heightened anxiety, self-doubt, and declining job satisfaction. For junior colleagues or those just starting, the impact can be especially hard. They need support to find their rhythm, but in unsupportive settings, it feels like they’re just trying not to step on toes rather than learning to dance.

Over time, a toxic culture wears down even the most resilient employees. Persistent negativity creates emotional fatigue, leading to disconnection, low motivation, and even a creeping feeling of inadequacy. It’s as if that “spark” individuals bring to the office starts to fade, and they begin second-guessing their every move. This pattern can quickly spiral into disengagement—the job then becomes something to endure rather than enjoy, and employees feel as though they’re always playing defense rather than leaning into their roles. Disengaged workers contribute less, hesitate to collaborate, and often avoid new challenges just to sidestep potential criticism. Prolonged exposure to settings like this results in physical consequences. Studies show that chronic stress can lead to headaches, insomnia, and that familiar “I think I’m coming down with something” feeling, which spreads across teams, lowering morale and productivity overall. In the end, everyone feels the effects of an organization that fails to support and uplift its people.

The Long-Term Cost on Organization Growth 

A toxic work culture does more than diminish day-to-day productivity; over time, it erodes an organization’s ability to grow and thrive. When negativity becomes the norm, even the most engaged worker may start to hold back, reluctant to contribute fully or take on new challenges—and the cost of this disengagement is high. A 2023 study by the Chartered Management Institute found that poor management and toxic work culture are the leading reasons one in three employees choose to leave their jobs. With each departure, significant resources are allocated to recruiting, rehiring, and training new staff, diverting time and money away from core operations.

As turnover becomes more frequent, teams become destabilized, especially when experienced individuals leave. Their departure takes with them valuable knowledge and insights, leaving gaps that can take months, if not years, to fill. The remaining workers then often face increased workloads, taking on the duties of departed colleagues while also helping to train newcomers. This additional burden on its own leads to burnout, further reducing morale and productivity, and may even drive them to seek other opportunities. This creates a “revolving door” effect, making it nearly impossible to build a cohesive, high-performing team.

How to Build a Positive Workplace for Organizational Success 

To build a supportive environment, employers and supervisors need to promote high morale and inclusivity. This is an essential strategy for employers and supervisors to attract, engage, and retain talented employees. Here are a few practical steps that organizations can take to foster a positive work environment:

• Provide Constructive Feedback: Feedback should be used as a tool for growth rather than criticism. This helps employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement, creating a more motivated and productive workforce.
• Foster Respect and Inclusivity: A respectful, inclusive work culture where individuals feel valued reduces turnover and builds trust. Encouraging diverse perspectives also enhances creativity and problem-solving, driving innovation within teams.
• Invest in Communication and Conflict Resolution Training: Effective communication is critical to building strong relationships between supervisors and employees. Training in communication and conflict resolution helps prevent misunderstandings and supports healthier workplace dynamics.

Conclusion 

Building a positive office environment isn’t just about making employees feel good—it’s a strategy that drives productivity, enhances their engagement, and supports organizational success. When employees are motivated and feel respected, they contribute more meaningfully to the organization, fostering a resilient and committed team. By investing in a supportive work culture, employers will be able to unlock the full potential of their workforce, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success.

Sources

1. Aquino, K., & Lamertz, K. (2004). Does the way others treat us matter for our actions at work? Taking a closer look at the impact of workplace incivility on employee behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology, 89(5), 787-797.
2. Sull, Donald, et al. “Toxic Culture Is Driving the Great Resignation.” MIT Sloan Management Review, 11 January 2022, https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/toxic-culture-is-driving-the-great-resignation/. Accessed 13 November 2024.

“New study: Bad managers and toxic work culture causing one in three staff to walk.” CMI, 16 October 2023, https://www.managers.org.uk/about-cmi/media-centre/press-releases/bad-managers-and-toxic-work-culture-causing-one-in-three-staff-to-walk/. Accessed 13 November 2024.

Edited by Odunayo Komolafe