For over a year now, most of us have been working from home or in a remote environment. But has this new way of working developed a toxic workplace, and if so, how is it avoided?
How working from home can cause a toxic workplace.
Monitoring staff
Firstly, managers are now unable to monitor staff in person, so they have developed ways to do so from home. Monitoring may be via checking in on messaging systems or more invasive and controversial modes like webcam monitoring. Managers should check in on staff to check they’re ok and being productive, but some monitoring can feel invasive perpetuating toxic workplace behaviour.
Toneless communication
Following online monitoring, communication online can be hard to read and understand. Its loss of tone can cause serious conversations to be misconstrued and essentially increasing anxiety. Over a period, this can build up to be the root problem of other concerns and result in a loss of communication altogether.
Work Overload
With 68% of people saying they have experienced burnout whilst working remotely, it comes as no surprise that working from home can affect stress levels from too high a workload. Employees unable to separate work and home life and too high employers expectations can severely contribute to a toxic workplace. Consequently, this can cause burnout which in turn will lower productivity.
What employers can do to lessen toxic workplace behaviours
Building relationships
Encouraging employees to build on or form employee relations can help to relieve stress. On top of this, it can also build influential cultures. In turn, relationships can improve productivity and reduce toxic workplace behaviours.
Positive reinforcement online
Rewarding your team can help to diminish the impact of toxic workplaces. By positive communications and encouraging good behaviour, your staff will feel appreciated and work harder. Rewarding staff with employee vouchers is an impactful and helpful way to do so whilst minimising stress.
Recognise your people
Lastly, meaningful and appropriate recognition schemes can help employees build confidence and feel acknowledged counteracting toxic workplace behaviours. One way to do so is by sending Ecards to say thank you for your hard work. Not only does this show employees they’re working well, but it is also eco-friendly and time-saving.
To conclude, a toxic workplace may be hard to avoid. However, with the right rewards and recognition scheme, companies can eradicate unhealthy environments and make remote working more comfortable and productive.
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