The culture within your workplace is the foundation upon which your business thrives or struggles. As a leader, your ability to cultivate a strong, positive workplace culture is central to the success of your business. With the average person spending over 40,000 hours of their life at work, creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy being is not just beneficial, it's essential.

Have you ever considered whether your workplace might be toxic? While we all have bad days, a consistently negative environment can severely impact your team's morale, productivity, and ultimately, your business's success. If any of the following red flags resonate, it might be time to reassess and make some changes.

Signs of a Toxic Workplace Culture

1. A Lack of Trust Between Owners and the Team
Is there a sense of 'us' versus 'them'? A strong team thrives on mutual trust and collaboration. If divisions exist, it’s a clear sign that your workplace culture needs attention.

2. No Core Values or Values That Aren’t Lived
Core Values are the guiding principles of your business. If they’re absent or not actively practised, your team may lack direction and purpose, leading to disengagement and disconnection.

3. After-Meeting Meetings
Those side conversations after a meeting where team members critique decisions or gossip are toxic. They undermine the effectiveness of official meetings and create a culture of negativity and distrust.

4. Highly Stressful Interactions
Disagreements are natural, but they should be handled professionally and constructively. If stress and conflict are the norms, it’s time to re-evaluate how your team communicates and interacts.

5. Mistreatment Amongst Team Members and Owners
When individuals act in self-serving ways rather than working for the benefit of the team and business, it’s a sign of a toxic environment. Respect and teamwork should always be at the forefront.

6. No Team Buy-In to the Core Purpose or Business Goals
If your team doesn’t understand or believe in the company’s purpose or goals, motivation and productivity will suffer. A lack of purpose can lead to disengagement and a lack of direction.

Steps to Build a Strong and Positive Workplace Culture

1. Develop Core Values with Your Team
Involve your team in defining your Core Values. This inclusion not only ensures buy-in but also makes the values more meaningful to everyone. Core Values should reflect what your business stands for and how you expect your team to operate.

2. Clearly Define Your Purpose
Your business exists for a reason. Make sure everyone knows it. Define your purpose in a way that resonates with your team, and make it clear how each role contributes to achieving this purpose. When people understand the "why" behind their work, they’re more motivated and engaged.

3. Make Core Values and Purpose Visible
Your Core Values and purpose should be more than words on a wall; they should be visible, discussed, and integrated into daily operations. Encourage your team to hold each other accountable to these values.

4. Set Annual and 90-Day Goals
Help each team member set individual goals that align with the company’s broader objectives. Breaking down these goals into 90-day targets makes them more manageable and keeps everyone focused and on track.

5. Celebrate Success and Recognise Performance
Positive reinforcement is powerful. Regularly celebrate successes, both big and small, and recognise team members who embody the company’s values and contribute to its goals. This recognition boosts morale and reinforces the behaviours you want to see.

6. Foster Open Communication
Meet regularly with your team and create a safe space where everyone feels heard. Encouraging open dialogue builds trust and ensures that issues are addressed before they escalate.

7. Address Toxic Behaviours Swiftly
Don’t let toxic employees hold your business hostage. If someone is consistently undermining the culture, it’s important to address it directly.

Invest in Your Workplace Culture

A toxic culture is a significant barrier to business success. Taking an honest look at your current culture and making necessary changes can transform your business. By being a better leader and fostering a positive workplace environment, you not only improve the well-being of your team but also set your business on a path to greater success.

At Carthy Accountants, our mission is to help you Get the Business You Want. A strong, positive workplace culture is a vital part of that journey. If you need help developing your Core Values or defining your purpose, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s work together to create a culture where your team can excel and your business can reach its full potential.

Get the business you want!