Moving Away from the
Toxic Work Culture
Producer, PNS
North Dakota - (PNS) - 5/17/2022 -
North Dakota has seen recent examples of staffing shake-ups among
certain employers where a toxic environment was cited. It coincides
with rhetoric about the need for companies and agencies to offer a
more compassionate work setting.
Earlier this year, Fargo
Police leaders publicly responded to reports of low morale among
officers. Similar issues prompted an internal investigation within
Cass County Human Services.
Dr. Hope Umansky, a psychological
consultant for Innovations Advocacy Group, said those in management
need to pay closer attention to how the workforce has responded to
the pandemic.
"I don't think people, with the shift in
the last two years, are going to put up with just neglecting their
families, their homes, their kids anymore," Umansky contended.
"A good thing has been a reset toward, 'We don't need to be so
busy all the time.' You know, like it's not healthy for
anybody."
She emphasized the mindset includes no longer
feeling a sense of loyalty to a job if the person doesn't think they
are valued by management.
A recent report from MIT Sloan
Management looked at turnover data during the "Great
Resignation." Researchers found a toxic culture was the leading
predictor of attrition.
Umansky pointed out employers who do
not look inward and improve leadership will face more instability,
which could threaten the company's future.
"If your
[organizational] structure, your staff, your people aren't healthy
psychologically and happy and thriving, the business isn't going to
grow," Umansky stressed.
She added while it's not an
issue of ageism, younger generations have different expectations of a
work-life balance. She suggests because it has been harder for them
to obtain financial security, they have a different set of priorities
as it relates to work.
References:
Police video City of Fargo 01/14/2022
Great resignation study MIT 01/11/2022
