Let’s explore 5 ways to prevent a toxic workplace.
1. Good communication
Good communication is key to a better workplace culture. To avoid workplace toxicity, you must allow your employees to feel comfortable voicing their opinions. It’s important to give your staff opportunities to contribute by providing input and suggestions. Good communication is integral as it allows your staff to feel they can be honest, speak freely, and express their concerns without fear of retribution. This will allow your staff to be happier, more engaged, and more motivated. Furthermore, your employees will make better decisions and become stronger leaders when you continue to provide healthy communication and feedback.
2. Transparency
Managers need to remain transparent with their staff. You need to always set and communicate clear expectations and processes as well as communicate your firm’s culture and values. This gives them predictability because they know what to expect in your organization. When your staff know what to look forward to, it gives them assurance. Transparency gives your team an opportunity to develop new skills, communicate effectively, and provide feedback. This reduces burnout and workplace toxicity.
3. Good leadership
Tom has always believed that the job of a leader is to create more leaders. Good leadership is important for avoiding a toxic workplace. Employees need to be in an environment where they are allowed to make mistakes and fail and where they are held accountable. This promotes learning and growth. Never reprimand your staff for making mistakes as this promotes a toxic workplace, leading to turnover. A core value in Tom’s organization is to “own it” and take responsibility for making a mistake. It’s ok to make mistakes and we encourage staff to learn from them to develop their own solutions to solving problems. Tom is not a micromanager and he doesn’t believe in it. Giving your staff freedom and control over their work allows them to try, fail, and learn from their mistakes to grow. Give your employees freedom and control as it gives them a sense of self-determination to further the mission of your company and allows them to stay motivated.
As a leader, when providing helpful feedback, you become a better leader as you must relay information in a context that your employees can understand and learn from. Successful leaders model behaviors for staff to see. Don’t be afraid to fail as employees have to see failure and understand the value and connection failure has with success. It's ok to fail as it shows your employees that failure is the only way to grow. You have to accept responsibility and own your mistakes as well.
4. Opportunity for employee growth
Employees must have opportunities for continued professional and personal growth. Employees need to be able to thrive. When staff become stagnant and lose their motivation and ability to succeed, toxicity can ensue. In my companies, when employees are happy and engaged, they generate positive energy, which helps motivate themselves and everyone around them. Employees want to contribute as they recognize that work affords them this opportunity. Tom has discovered that creating an environment that allows people to have a mission to go after and take ownership is vitally important for creating an atmosphere where people are enthusiastic and enjoy going to work. Knowledge of growth opportunities is important. You should always make your employees aware of a clear path and defined structure for advancement, whether it’s becoming a manager, senior, or partner.
It is important to provide learning opportunities and encourage employee attendance at continuing education conferences. Embracing curiosity with a desire to learn is paramount. Being a life-long learner and constantly striving to expand your knowledge base is necessary. Tom models this behavior, which helps facilitate the same energy and culture in his firm. When staff stay curious and eager to learn, they will perform better and are more engaged.
5. Teamwork
Teamwork is essential to reduce workplace toxicity. Staff want to be valued and be part of a team. Tom has found in his firm every generational group enjoys working together as a team. Celebrating, recognizing, and acknowledging our accomplishments is important for reducing toxicity. Give your employees opportunities to set realistic, measurable goals so they can re-evaluate their progress and see their accomplishments. This allows them to realize their achievements, leading to motivation and encouragement for the future. Providing incentives facilitates motivation as well, which reduces potential burnout and workplace toxicity. Instead of individual bonuses, Tom’s firm provides team bonuses, which he has found leads to a positive, team-oriented environment and to improved productivity and efficiency.
Spend time re-evaluating your firm’s environment and culture to identify any potential areas that may lead to a toxic workplace. When you spend time evaluating your workplace and reducing the potential for toxicity, you will see improved employee retention, which allows for better clients, a better practice, and a better life.
Are you a CPA firm owner who wants to get better clients, a better practice, and a better life? Consider joining TFW Advisors® and book a call with our team today!