How to Recognize a Hostile Workplace and What to Do About It

For any business, it is essential to develop a positive and
safe work environment. Introducing opportunities for learning and development,
encouraging collaboration and communication, and doing team activities are some
of the ways companies can develop the ideal environment.
Aside from culture, the well-being of employees is just as
important. Everybody experiences stress. Everyone has personal issues. That
stress can affect their productivity at work, which can be detrimental to
themselves and the team.
Providing support by allowing them to talk about their
personal or work issues can show that the organization cares for the welfare of
its employees. That support can motivate them to continue working, so having open
communication and a safe space at work is vital.
However, there are some workplaces with a hostile
environment. Team leads can be harsh, and colleagues can be toxic. These
reasons can be enough for people to resign, leaving the company in a bad state.
Everybody wants to be part of a supportive, positive
environment. It is crucial to identify a hostile environment so that the
business can improve as a whole. Below is a discussion of the signs of a hostile workplace and how to solve these problems.
4 Signs of a Hostile Environment
Different factors can contribute to workplace hostility. It
is essential to remember these to avoid incidents and build camaraderie with
everyone.
1. Low morale
One of the early signs of a hostile work environment can be
seen in the team™s morale. How is the team performing? How are people reacting to their work?
Are people interacting with each other?
These are some questions people can ask themselves when
observing the workplace. Most likely, if the team rarely engages, some form of
stress surrounds them. It can be that there is too much work or they are
required to go overtime.
Knowing the reason behind it is the key to improving the
environment. Showing support and communicating with the team is the first step
in solving any issue.
2. Many complaints
It is normal to be frustrated about work. Sometimes things
get challenging, but it should never get to the point where each day becomes
more dreadful. If people complain too much, saying things like they constantly
stay late or have not had a real vacation is alarming.
There should always be a proper work-life balance. Giving
enough leaves, allowances, and optional overtime are simple policies companies
can implement to take better care of employees.
3. Discrimination cases
A problem that society, in general, has to deal with is
discrimination. This is evident in some offices that have foreign employees.
This is one of the more severe tell-tale signs that a workplace is unhealthy
for employees, as discrimination issues can harm the team, leading to less productivity.
Aside from productivity, it can also have lasting adverse
effects on the team itself. Having employees display such behavior should not
be tolerated. It is best to speak to them and encourage a supportive
environment.
4. Too much competitive conflict
Anybody would want a higher position and more money. It is
normal to strive for a promotion or raise. However, it should never get to the
point where everyone tries to gain the upper hand and pull others down.
If it reaches that point, it is an unhealthy level of competition. It promotes toxicity and comparisons, leading members
to go head-to-head at each other, negatively affecting performance and
collaboration at work. This can be detrimental to a person™s mental health and
can cause personal issues.
Solutions to Avoid a Hostile Workplace
After identifying the issues, it is crucial to address them.
Prolonging the problems can worsen the situation and cause significant issues
for the company. Below are some tips to solve the issues.
1. Do a team activity after work
Having an activity after work is a great way to engage with
the team and let people interact with each other. Inviting the group to dinner,
especially on a Friday, allows everyone to know one another outside of work. It
forms a camaraderie and develops a closer bond with each member.
2. Incorporate flexible work hours
One of the things businesses can consider is changing the
fixed work hours to a flexible one. This puts less pressure on everyone to
report at the same time. In addition, it gives people the chance to get more
sleep, do errands, and work at their own pace where they feel most productive.
3. Consider the office layout
Many people are productive, depending on the environment
they are in. Maybe the office itself has poor layout design, and improving its
aesthetic and floor place can help others work effectively and encourage
collaboration.
4. Provide fitness programs
Exercise is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Having a
fitness program that employees can join provides an activity that the team can
do together. It keeps everyone fit and encourages more engagement outside of
work.
Be Kind to One Another
Showing support, kindness, and empathy are three things
everyone can do to foster a positive workplace, and it starts with the company.
When people encourage one another, it develops a positive culture where
everyone can lean on one another, improving the well-being in the workplace.
However, none of this is possible without communication.
Communication is key to understanding one another. That builds trust and
strengthens the bonds of each person.
If businesses can do that, their employees will remain
content and happy with their work. Show kindness, and it does wonders for
everyone.