• Careers

HR: Navigating a toxic work environment

• 23 Hours Ago

Sacky N. Iipinge



A toxic work environment isn’t just about having a bad week or a rough day at work. It occurs when negativity becomes the norm, with behaviours such as continuous criticism, favouritism, gossip and unfair expectations.



When your work environment feels emotionally draining every day, it might not be just you; it could be the overall culture. Toxicity often stems from poor leadership, lack of accountability or unclear values.



Sometimes it’s dismissed as “this is just how things are done here.” But over time, if left unaddressed, such negativity can ignite fear, withdrawal and high staff turnover. When leadership tolerates (or even rewards) bad behaviour, it spreads and becomes worse.



But you’re not powerless. Set personal boundaries. You don’t have to accept every unreasonable demand or tolerate disrespect. If something feels off, put it in writing. A paper trail matters, especially if you eventually need to take action. Finding someone you trust or a mentor within the organisation can help you navigate complicated situations with insightfulness and discretion.



And if you are aggrieved, don’t shy away from using internal grievance or whistleblower channels – they are there for a reason. Just be sure to follow the set protocol and always approach issues professionally.



The human resources department plays a role in ensuring a healthy work culture.



Thus, HR isn’t just about policies and staff rules, it’s about people. A hands-on HR team should listen, investigate fairly and work towards solutions. If you’re worried about retaliation, ask about anonymous reporting options or request confidentiality when raising your concerns.



The truth is, no workplace is paradise. But there’s a clear difference between occasional conflict and a culture that consistently wears you down. Know the signs. Speak up when you can. And remember: your well-being at work matters.*Sacky N. Iipinge is a learning and development specialist with over 15 years of experience in the learning environment, currently employed as a chief learning and development officer at the Ministry of Finance.