Addressing Workplace Toxicity: Insights from HR Veterans

The recent circulation of a video depicting an HDFC Bank employee berating his subordinates during a video call has sparked widespread concern regarding workplace culture and conduct. While the incident led to the suspension of the employee in question and an internal investigation by HDFC Bank, HR professionals assert that such instances of toxicity are not uncommon in corporate environments.

Commonplace Toxicity

According to HR experts, workplace toxicity, characterized by verbal abuse, unreasonable targets, and a stressful work atmosphere, is prevalent across various industries. Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno, emphasizes that toxicity exists across teams and sectors, extending beyond the banking sector.

Varada Pendse, an independent HR consultant, highlights that the sales function, particularly in high-pressure environments like banks and insurance companies, often witnesses aggressive behavior from team leaders. Long working hours, coupled with unrealistic targets, contribute to a toxic work culture where employees endure verbal abuse and excessive stress.

Root Causes and Ramifications

The intense pressure in sales roles often leads team leaders to transfer their stress to subordinates, perpetuating a cycle of toxicity within the team. A Balasubramanian, VP and business head at TeamLease Services, underscores the importance of outcome-driven performance evaluation to mitigate toxicity stemming from excessive workload and performance pressure.

Strategies for Mitigation

HR veterans advocate for proactive measures to address workplace toxicity. They emphasize the need for empathetic leadership and effective communication to motivate employees without resorting to abusive behavior. Establishing workplace redressal committees and fostering a culture of open communication can empower employees to address instances of misconduct and harassment.

Legal and Organizational Frameworks

While many organizations have HR policies in place to address workplace issues, HR experts highlight gaps in existing legal frameworks, particularly regarding non-sexual harassment and abuse. Employees are encouraged to utilize internal grievance mechanisms and legal recourse, where necessary, to address instances of workplace abuse.

The Path Forward

To combat workplace toxicity effectively, HR professionals stress the importance of top management intervention and cultural transformation. Pendse emphasizes the need for leadership to cultivate empathy and resilience, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, to foster a healthier work environment conducive to employee well-being and productivity.