Experts are warning that the stress of a toxic workplace can be deeply damaging to employees’ health and productivity.
A recent VOC News poll revealed that 66% of respondents stated that they are currently working in toxic environments, with many highlighting the negative impact it has on their overall well-being.
Legal Director at Strata-g Labour Solutions, Advocate Tertius Wessels, explained that purposeful humiliation and mistreatment in the workplace often result in job dissatisfaction, high absenteeism, illness, and ultimately, a high staff turnover.
“Each workplace is unique, but what we find with toxic working environments is that employees often feel they have to constantly watch over their shoulders,” he said.
“They feel that no matter what they do, even if they are performing well, they are being sidelined or belittled. And while policies may exist, the way they are treated is not in line with fair principles.”
Listen to the full interview with Advocate Tertuis Wessels below:
Psychologist Dr. Rita Suliman added that issues of power dynamics and competitiveness frequently contribute to toxic cultures.
“People enjoy power in the workplace and will try to achieve it by any means possible,” she said.
“The first rule of work is to ensure you don’t engage personally within your work environment. The workplace takes up most of your time, and while people say it should feel like a family, it often doesn’t. Instead, people compete with one another to be seen in the best light, to be liked by superiors, and to climb the ladder.”
Listen to the full interview with Dr. Rita Suliman below:
Experts say organisations need to prioritise healthier workplace cultures, ensuring employees feel respected and supported, while employees themselves must learn strategies to navigate toxic dynamics without internalising the stress.
VOC News
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