Last week’s blog asked if you would enter a toxic atmosphere. Addressing employees, I compared a choking cloud of chlorine gas to a noxious work environment and the impact to mental and physical health.
Required signs
The photo shows a restricted area at a hazardous and industrial waste accumulation facility warning people of the dangers behind the fence. Laws and regulations require signage at these types of facilities.
Yet there are no physical danger signs placed at the doors of a business, nonprofit, or government entity warning employees of the dangers inside created by owners, bosses, supervisors, and managers.
Please take note that I did not include leaders in the list above because leaders understand the dangers associated with a toxic work environment.
Danger
Do your employees run, hide, or clam up when you enter the room or building? If so, that is what my friends in law enforcement refer to as a clue and it is a danger sign.
What causes that type of behavior in employees?
- Fear and intimidation
- Frustration and anger
- Disengagement and apathy
What causes those emotions in employees? Owners, supervisors, and managers:
- Who micromanage, find fault, and create distrust
- Who, yell, bully, and threaten
- Who constantly remind the underlings who is in charge
- Who fail to recognize demanding work and achievements
Working in the danger zone
If any of the above is present in your organization, then look into the mirror and ask:
- “Am I creating a danger zone?”
- “How much money are we losing due to employee disengagement and turnover?”
- “Are my supervisors and managers creating a toxic environment and I’m not aware of it?”
Turning the danger zone into a safe zone
Over the last two years our nation has faced the great resignation and individuals who do not want to work because of government unemployment payouts. Businesses, organizations, and government agencies struggle to find and keep employees.
So why would anyone create or sustain a toxic work environment? That is shear insanity and stupidity!
I have the methods, means, and tools to help you create an environment where your employees want to come to work, they want to be productive, and they want to stay. What prevents you from taking advantage of that offer? Reach out to me at info@impactusleadership.com and visit my website at www.impactusleadership.com to see what Denver leadership programs fit you.
