INTHEBLACK August 2025 - Magazine - Page 50
WORK SMART
Clean up
a toxic
workplace
workplace
a toxic
Clean up
Working in a culturally toxic
environment can take a significant
toll on employee health. Knowing
what makes a workplace toxic
and how to identify contributing
behaviours are the first steps
to cleaning it up.
Words Nicola Heath
It is a concerning finding that has harmful
knock-on effects including disengagement,
reduced productivity and declining wellbeing
among employees. In Australia, where new
legislation requires employers to prevent
psychosocial harm among employees,
the onus is on organisations to address
workplace toxicity.
How can employees determine if they are
working in a toxic environment or if their
behaviour is contributing to one?
DEFINE TOXIC
ACCORDING TO A 2024 SURVEY BY
The Culture Institute of Australia, 75 per cent
of workers have experienced a toxic work
culture in the past five years.
50 INTHEBLACK August 2025
While it may be undesirable, it is normal
to experience negativity, conflict and stress
in the workplace. An organisation becomes
toxic, however, when it makes employees unwell.
“A toxic workplace is one that negatively
impacts people’s physical, mental and
emotional health,” says Dr Megan Woods,
