5 Signals Your Organisation May Be A Toxic Workplace
Toxic work environments can have long-term consequences—from burnout and disengagement to reputation loss and poor retention. Often, the signs are subtle at first—and rooted in behaviours that are difficult to quantify without intentional effort.
Here are five key insights from leading research on toxic workplace dynamics from Hogan Assessments team:
Here are five key insights from leading research on toxic workplace dynamics:
1. It Oftens Starts Small, But Spreads Fast
Even a single toxic employee can disrupt team culture, erode morale and shift behavioural norms. Their influence can go unnoticed until patterns become deeply ingrained.
2. The Cost is Bigger Than You Think
According to Hogan Assessments, toxic behaviours can lead to significant business costs—ranging from absenteeism and turnover to lost productivity and reputational damage.
3. Psychological Safety is the First to Go
When employees don’t feel safe to speak up or take risks, collaboration, creativity and performance suffer. A toxic environment silences growth.
4. Risk Can Be Predicted Through Personality Data
Certain traits—such as volatility, scepticism, or manipulativeness—can signal potential derailers. Used responsibly, assessments like Hogan can help identify risk factors early in the talent lifecycle.
5. Leaders Set the Tone
Whether toxic culture is enabled or addressed often comes down to leadership. Building self-aware, accountable leadership is key to long-term cultural health.
Reference: The Hidden Cost of a Toxic Workplace Environment by Hogan Assessments