Toxic Signs at Workplace HR should Take Notice of

Is your workplace feeling a bit off lately?

Are employees leaving faster than you can say "attrition"?

Do you notice a concerning pattern of absences or a general lack of enthusiasm?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, it might be time for a reality check. It could very well be that your company is battling the effects of a toxic work culture. According to Deloitte, 88% of employees believe that a distinctive workplace culture is crucial for organizational success. So, what's going wrong? Let’s dive into the signs that your workplace culture might need a major overhaul.

The Hidden Cost of High Attrition Rates

If high turnover is your new normal, you might be overlooking the real cost of losing employees. And no, it's not just the farewell parties. Replacing employees, especially in today's competitive talent market, can seriously drain your resources.

• Entry-level employees: Replacing them can cost 30-50% of their annual salary.
• Mid-level employees: Get ready to spend about 150% of their salary.
• Specialized or senior employees: Brace for a hefty 400% replacement cost.

Stats Source

That’s a lot of cash down the drain. Now imagine if this trend continues. Not only will your expenses skyrocket, but your team will feel the loss of expertise and continuity. So, how can you tell if your company is at risk of this costly scenario? Keep an eye out for these toxic signs.

1. High Absenteeism: The Silent Red Flag

We all know that hiring skilled employees is the first step toward business success. But what happens when these talented employees start showing up late, leaving early, or – worse – not showing up at all? Absenteeism is often a huge indicator that employees are disengaged and unmotivated. When people feel undervalued, it's easy for them to start hitting the snooze button one too many times.

If you spot an uptick in absences, it’s a sure sign that your work culture might need a serious boost. After all, happy employees are present employees.

2. Feedback? Nah, We Don’t Need It.

Feedback is like the GPS for any company. Without it, you're driving blindfolded. Not just feedback from customers, but also from employees. A company that doesn't take the time to listen to its workforce is setting itself up for failure. Employees have insights that can make or break business strategies.

If your workplace dismisses employee feedback or, worse, punishes those who give it, you're creating a culture of silence, frustration, and eventual burnout. An open-door policy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the bridge to improving engagement and satisfaction.

3. Lack of Transparency and Trust: The Silent Killers

According to a study from Harvard Business Review, 58% of employees say they don’t trust their company’s leadership. And here's the kicker: 93% of employees believe that trust in their superior is critical for overall workplace happiness. Without trust, no amount of perks or benefits will keep your team motivated.

So, how do you know if your company is lacking transparency? If decisions seem to come out of nowhere or employees are kept in the dark about big changes, you're in dangerous waters. Transparency isn’t just about sharing the good news – it's about being open, honest, and building trust from the top down.

4. Misaligned Company Values: The "We Say One Thing, Do Another" Syndrome

Do your company values sound like they were written by a marketing team and not the leadership? If so, you're not alone – but this is a serious issue. A company that only pays lip service to its values, especially on social issues, is bound to breed discontent.

Recent data shows that 75% of employees aged 18-34 expect their companies to take a stand on important social issues. It’s not just about putting up a diversity statement on your website. Employees want to see real action, not just words. If your company’s actions don’t align with its values, employees will notice – and they won’t stick around.

5. Poor Reviews: A Digital Red Flag

With platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn, employees have a place to air their grievances or share their positive experiences. Frequent negative reviews about your company’s culture can send a strong signal that something is wrong. If you’re seeing a consistent stream of complaints – whether about management, lack of opportunities, or burnout – it’s time to pay attention.

Positive reviews can be equally telling. A workplace that fosters a healthy culture will naturally earn praise from its employees. So, don't ignore the feedback from the very people who make your company tick.

The Bottom Line: Culture Is Everything

The importance of a positive work culture can’t be overstated. It’s the backbone of your business, keeping employees motivated, productive, and engaged. If your workplace is plagued with toxicity, it will ultimately undermine everything from your bottom line to your reputation as an employer.

A toxic culture doesn’t just affect employee morale – it affects your retention rates, productivity, and the ability to attract top talent. A healthy workplace culture, on the other hand, encourages collaboration, innovation, and, most importantly, loyalty.

At Truworth Wellness, we understand that creating a positive work environment isn’t just about offering wellness programs. It’s about fostering transparency, recognizing employee efforts, and creating a culture of trust. With our expertise, we can help you build a workplace that employees love, trust, and want to stay in for the long haul.

Want to improve your workplace culture? Get in touch with our team of experts today and start creating a culture that inspires, motivates, and retains.

By addressing these signs of toxicity early on, HR professionals can save companies a lot of trouble – and a lot of money. So, the next time you see absenteeism creeping up or hear that familiar murmur of disgruntled employees, remember: it's time to act before the problem grows any bigger.