15 Signs of 'Toxic Work Culture'

I always believe in strong work culture in any organization which will boost the moral of employees, but over the period of time I have experienced how the work culture become toxic.

I was reading through a quote, beautifully written by HOWARD SCHULTZ, CEO - Starbucks

"IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE SOMEONE'S EMPLOYER, THEN YOU HAVE A MORAL OBLIGATION TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE DO LOOK FORWARD TO COMING TO WORK IN THE MORNING" 

With my experience, there are 15 signs of 'Toxic Work Culture' which certainly poise the employee's career and growth.

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1. Office Politics

2. Favoritism and doing partiality are common among leaders

3. Long working hours are taken for granted and appreciated.

4. Team members are not ready to take over the responsibility. Everyone wants to go with flow.

5. Absenteeism among employees are common.

6. Boss is not approachable and no one can dare to approach him/her for any reason.

7. Organization's core values are not reflected at the behaviors of workers.

8. Misuse of company policies.

9. 'Buttering the Boss' is only way to gain the career growth.

10. Feedbacks are not welcomed from team members.

11. Leaders having their own 'spy's across the organization to receive internal news.

12. Raising voice against unethical practices leads to defamation or punishment.

13. Leaders believe in 'micromanaging' for effectiveness, which in turn demotivates the employees.

14. Blame game is very common.

15. Managers in designation use their power to dominate the subordinates 

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How toxic culture arises in an organization? There are several reasons to it, but the most common factor is 'Poor Leadership Performance'. I remember one of my General Manager cited an example "Fish stinks from head", which was very much appropriate. The primary reason for toxic culture is due to the poor leadership quality shown by the top heads in an organization.

A toxic culture leads to the de-motivation among employees, poor performance by the team and an average performing organization in the competitive market.