I came across this post recently from workplace rights activist Katherine Kleyman, a former corporate employment attorney and thought about the recruitment workplaces that I’ve previously been employed in.
This bit from Katherine was troubling:
“Here’s the pattern I’ve discovered after helping countless employees:
Companies often strike when you’re most vulnerable.
When you’re distracted by personal challenges.
When you’re less likely to fight back.
The hard truth…
They count on your emotional state to minimize legal risk.
Protect yourself:
1. Be strategic about what you share at work.
2. Document everything—reviews, emails, policy violations—but follow security protocols.”
The workplaces I worked within were tough, highly competitive, high-performing, stressful, highly process driven and, at times, very unfair.
It’s not all bad, but walking into an office where your peers are fighting for their jobs every day takes its toll on your mental health and workplace friendships.
Personal issues were never shared – you left your “emotions” at the door when you came to the office every day.
Was this due to the leadership at the top? Driving fear into the staff to perform?
Could the workplace be less toxic if the leaders in the group celebrated success? Collaborated more, encouraged accountability, and ensured that everyone felt equal – and wouldn’t weaponise your personal life against you?
The fact is, behaviour breeds behaviour, good and bad!
Identify the Toxic Elements
Toxic workplaces can manifest in different ways, such as:
- Poor leadership (micromanagement, favouritism, lack of accountability)
- Negative culture (gossip, blame-shifting, lack of recognition)
- Unhealthy competition (backstabbing, lack of teamwork)
- Burnout-inducing workload (unrealistic expectations, lack of work-life balance)
Understanding the root of the problem helps you determine the best course of action.
And, employing leaders who encourage open, honest and clear communication is vital to a team culture because you’ll build a trusted relationship with your staff, and, in turn, you’ll have a resilient crew that feels psychologically safe (and perform better!).
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