6 Tips to Eliminate Negativity From Your Workplace Culture

Culture issues can be detrimental to a business, from higher employee turnover to a decline in customer service standards

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“Culture” is a term that may seem nebulous, but in reality, it can have a tangible impact on your business’ bottom line.

This is true when the culture is healthy and strong, but it’s just as true when the culture is bad. A negative workplace culture, reeling from either bad leadership, a grumbly staff, or a lack of vision, can contribute to a number of very real, bottom-line problems. These can include higher employee turnover, less productivity, and even a decline in customer service standards.

Recognizing that your culture is negative is a critical first step, but where do you go from there? Consider a few strategies to begin the hard process of building a healthier, less toxic culture.

Create a culture of openness

One of the hallmarks of a healthy workplace culture is that leaders do not withhold information but instead communicate transparently with their employees. More one-on-ones and team huddles can go a long way toward keeping employees in the loop about the state and direction of the company, allowing employees to feel like partners rather than just cogs in the system.

Solicit feedback

It’s equally important to provide employees with opportunities to share their opinions about the company and its leadership. Anonymous surveys can be especially helpful. Let employees know that you actually care what they have to say and are willing to listen to their ideas or even criticisms without any negative ramifications.

Bring in a third party

As a leader, it can sometimes be hard to see issues even when they are right in front of your face. It may be helpful to bring in a third-party observer, such as an HR consultant, who can pinpoint some specific ways in which your culture exhibits toxicity. This also helps your employees see that you’re serious about making improvements.

Recognize and reward

Another way to develop a more positive workplace culture is to be consistent in recognizing employees for their good work. Public commendation and words of gratitude can go a long way. Reward programs and other incentives can help employees see that you really do want to honor them for their achievements.

Support your team members

A common trait among toxic workplaces is that employees feel overworked and under-supported. There are a number of ways to address this, and sometimes the answer may be as simple as being clearer about priorities, and reallocating the ways in which team members spend their time.

Check your attitude

Finally, business owners must assess their own mindset, ensuring they do not have any unhealthy attitudes that could spill over into workplace toxicity. Some common issues can include favoritism; an attitude that employees are the company’s property; or a lack of accountability for those in positions of authority.


About the Author
Amanda E. Clark is the president and editor-in-chief of Grammar Chic, a full-service professional writing company. She is a published ghostwriter and editor, and she's currently under contract with literary agencies in Malibu, California and Dublin. Since founding Grammar Chic in 2008, Clark, along with her team of skilled professional writers, has offered expertise to clients in the creative, business and academic fields. The company accepts a wide range of projects; often engages in content and social media marketing; and drafts resumes, press releases, web content, marketing materials and ghostwritten creative pieces. Contact Clark at www.grammarchic.net.



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