Earlier this week in the “Wellness Girl 1” community, we shared a poll asking people to identify some toxic cultures and suggest ways to avoid them. Among those listed were poor communication, assuming that “people” will understand, manipulation (exploiting others to get what you want), and jealousy (controlling behaviour).

This discussion highlighted the importance of addressing toxic cultures: how can we break these patterns, stop them, and raise awareness? Do people even recognize these issues? We must inform others about the dangers of toxic cultures and provide solutions for avoiding them.

As humans, seeking self-control over things that could endanger us, affect our mental health, or hinder our success is crucial. We must commit to constant learning, embrace new lessons, and engage with different people to overcome toxicity.

So in this week’s article, we feature some of the most common toxic cultures and their impact on growth and also share how you can best break these chains and achieve success.

What is a Toxic culture? 

Toxic culture is a complex mesh of negative attitudes and behaviours, including discrimination based on race, gender, age, and social status; online trolling and cyberbullying; or subjugation and shaming of differing opinions.

Regarding a work environment, “A toxic culture is a culture in which conflict is common and the work environment is negative because of unethical behaviours, a lack of inclusion, and disrespect. Antagonistic, potentially abusive, working relationships develop and cause good employees to disengage from their work and even leave the organisation.

Toxic cultures often promote unhealthy work-life boundaries. They encourage employees to prioritise work and might cause employees to burn out. Some actions may include management expecting employees to stay late, respond to emails after hours or complete work on weekends.

Here are some toxic cultural aspects that humans often continue to perpetuate despite their negative impact

1. Overwork and Hustle Culture

This culture promotes the idea that constant work and productivity are the ultimate measures of success, often glorifying long working hours and a relentless drive.

Impact:

• Physical and Mental Burnout: Extended periods of overwork can lead to chronic stress, fatigue, and health issues such as anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems.
• Poor Work-Life Balance: Individuals may sacrifice personal time, relationships, and self-care, leading to strained family dynamics and a lack of personal fulfilment.
• Decreased Productivity and Creativity: Over time, excessive work can lead to diminished returns, with reduced efficiency, creativity, and innovation due to exhaustion.
• Example: In many corporate environments, employees who work late into the night and on weekends are often praised, creating an expectation that this level of commitment is necessary for career advancement, despite the long-term negative consequences.

2. Perfectionism

Perfectionism involves setting unrealistically high standards for oneself and others, often accompanied by a fear of making mistakes or being judged.

Impact:

• Increased Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to be perfect can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and fear of failure, impacting mental health.
• Fear of Failure and Procrastination: Perfectionists may delay tasks or avoid taking risks to prevent possible failure, hindering progress and innovation.
• Reduced Innovation and Creativity: The emphasis on flawlessness can stifle creativity and experimentation, as individuals may fear the criticism of trying new ideas.
• Example: In creative industries, individuals might not share their work until it meets their impossibly high standards, which can delay projects and limit opportunities for feedback and growth.

3. Toxic Positivity

Toxic positivity involves the excessive and ineffective overgeneralization of a happy, optimistic state across all situations, often to the detriment of acknowledging real emotions and problems.

Impact:

• Suppression of Genuine Feelings: Encouraging people to always “look on the bright side” can invalidate their genuine emotions, leading to suppressed feelings and unresolved issues.
• Lack of Authentic Support for Mental Health Issues: Dismissing negative emotions can prevent individuals from seeking help and support for mental health challenges.
• Diminished Trust in Relationships: People may feel misunderstood and unsupported if their real feelings are consistently downplayed or ignored.
• Example: Telling someone to “just stay positive” when they are grieving a loss can invalidate their feelings and discourage them from expressing their grief or seeking support.

4. Social Comparison

Social comparison involves constantly evaluating oneself in relation to others, often through social media, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and envy.

Impact:

• Decreased Self-Esteem and Confidence: Constant comparison can erode self-worth and confidence, leading individuals to feel they are not good enough.
• Feelings of Inadequacy and Envy: Seeing curated, idealised versions of others’ lives can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of jealousy.
• Distorted Perception of Reality: Social media often highlights the best moments of people’s lives, leading to skewed perceptions and unrealistic standards.
• Example: Viewing the seemingly perfect lives of influencers and peers on social media can make individuals feel that their own lives are lacking, despite the often unrealistic portrayals.

5. Consumerism

Consumerism is the cultural focus on acquiring goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, often driven by the belief that material possessions bring happiness.

Impact:

• Financial Stress and Debt: The pursuit of material goods can lead to overspending, financial strain, and debt accumulation.
• Environmental Degradation: Mass consumption contributes to resource depletion, pollution, and environmental damage.
• Shallow Sense of Fulfilment and Happiness: Material possessions provide temporary satisfaction, often leading to a cycle of wanting more without achieving lasting happiness.
• Example: Black Friday sales encourage mass consumption, with people often buying unnecessary items and spending beyond their means, leading to financial stress and environmental waste.

6. Cancel Culture

Cancel culture involves withdrawing support or “cancelling” public figures, companies, or individuals after they have done something considered objectionable or offensive, often without room for redemption.

Impact:

• Polarisation and Lack of Constructive Dialogue: Cancel culture can lead to an “us vs. them” mentality, reducing opportunities for open, constructive conversations and understanding.
• Fear of Making Mistakes and Stifling Open Communication: People may become afraid to express their opinions or take risks, fearing backlash and social ostracism.
• Damage to Reputations Without Due Process or Rehabilitation Opportunities: Individuals and organisations can suffer significant damage to their reputations, often without a fair chance to explain, apologise, or make amends.
• Example: Public figures losing endorsements, jobs, or social standing due to past controversial statements or actions, sometimes without consideration for context, growth, or change.

7. Stigma Around Mental Health

The stigma around mental health involves negative attitudes, beliefs, and discrimination against individuals who have mental health issues.

Impact:

• Reluctance to Seek Help: Fear of judgement and discrimination can prevent individuals from seeking necessary mental health care and support.
• Increased Isolation and Suffering: Stigmatised individuals may feel isolated and unsupported, exacerbating their mental health conditions.
• Perpetuation of Myths and Misunderstandings: Stigma reinforces harmful myths about mental health, contributing to ongoing discrimination and lack of awareness.
• Example: Labelling someone with depression as “weak” or “attention-seeking” discourages them from seeking professional help and can lead to further isolation and distress.

8. Gender Stereotypes

Gender stereotypes involve preconceived notions about the roles, behaviours, and attributes appropriate for different genders, often leading to discrimination and limited opportunities.

Impact:

• Limitation of Personal and Professional Opportunities: Stereotypes restrict individuals’ potential by confining them to traditional roles and expectations.
• Perpetuation of Inequality and Discrimination: Gender stereotypes contribute to systemic inequalities, including wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership roles.
• Internalised Negative Beliefs and Low Self-Esteem: Constant exposure to stereotypes can lead to internalised self-doubt and diminished self-worth.
• Example: Assuming women are naturally more suited to caregiving roles while men are better leaders limits opportunities for both genders to explore their full potential and reinforces gender biases in the workplace.

9. Racism and Prejudice

Racism and prejudice involve discrimination and bias based on race, ethnicity, or cultural background, often leading to systemic inequities and social injustice.

Impact:

• Social and Economic Inequality: Racism perpetuates disparities in education, employment, healthcare, and housing, creating significant barriers for marginalised groups.
• Psychological Trauma and Stress for Marginalised Groups: Experiences of racism and prejudice can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and mental health issues for affected individuals.
• Perpetuation of Systemic Injustice: Racism reinforces institutional biases and discriminatory practices, maintaining cycles of inequality and exclusion.
• Example: Racial profiling and discrimination in hiring practices lead to unequal opportunities and reinforce societal divisions, limiting social mobility and perpetuating economic disparities.

10. Ageism

Ageism involves stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups based on their age, often targeting both older and younger individuals.

Impact:

• Limiting Job Opportunities for Older Adults: Older workers may face discrimination in hiring, promotions, and training opportunities, leading to financial insecurity and underutilization of their skills.
• Devaluing the Experience and Contributions of Older Individuals: Ageism can lead to the marginalisation of older adults, ignoring their valuable experience and insights.
• Promoting Negative Stereotypes About Aging: Stereotypes about aging, such as assumptions of frailty or incompetence, can lead to negative attitudes and reduced opportunities for older individuals.
• Example: Assuming older workers are less adaptable or technologically savvy leads to fewer job prospects and professional development opportunities, while young people may be seen as inexperienced or unqualified despite their skills and potential.

To avoid toxic cultures, individuals and organisations can foster open communication, encourage feedback, and promote inclusivity. Establishing clear values and expectations, addressing conflicts promptly, and recognizing contributions can create a positive environment. Additionally, leaders should model healthy behaviours and prioritise employee well-being, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported. Regular training on diversity and respect can also help in cultivating a constructive workplace culture.