Symptoms of a 'sick' workplace

In a previous posting we referred to the idea that a workplace can be sick—a bit like a person. Like a sick person, it is sometimes possible for the workplace not to know that it is sick; or to not appreciate fully how sick it really is. However ignorance is not protection (the way wellness is). Unless problems are identified and addressed things tend to get worse and a chronically sick workplace will ‘die’; probably sooner rather than later.

So can we identify the symptoms of a sick workplace? In our experience the indicators vary. They will depend upon the enterprise, its business and its sickness. Every business is different. However there are some things to look for:

A high level of Occupational Health and Safety incidents, accidents or ‘near misses’ may be an indication of a workplace which is not only unsafe or unhealthy for its employees, but is also not functioning effectively. This condition may be reflected in high insurance premiums for the business and costs considerably higher than they would be if effective OH&S policies, procedures and practices were implemented and followed.

A culture of blaming is another good indicator of an unhealthy work environment. Every workplace has its share of problems; things do go wrong, unexpected things do happen. However in an unhealthy workplace the problems are always someone else’s fault. Management blames the shopfloor and vice-versa; or it’s the engineer’s fault, or the supplier’s fault, or the plant and equipment is not up to scratch, or the customer is to blame! It’s always someone, or something else! Blaming others is not an effective way to solve problems. As long as we continue to blame someone else, we’ll never be able to see the real cause of the problem and nothing will get better.

High levels of absenteeism are another indicator that there may be problems in the workplace. People don’t want to be there unless they absolutely have to be, so they find ‘excuses’ to be unavailable. ‘Sickies’ become the ‘norm’ and the workplace—and everyone else who is still present—has to suffer.

High levels of staff turn-over, ‘churn’ and ‘burn-out’ can reflect a similar story. Some unhealthy workplaces find it almost impossible to attract and retain people. When they do get good people they don’t stay. Managers may complain chronically that job applicants and employees are not ‘up to standard’. However they fail to critically consider their own expectations and the extent to which the work, the workplace and the systems might be part of the problem.

Déjà vu, or the ‘here we go again’ experience, can be another indicator that things are not as they should be. Mistakes are made in strong, healthy, productive workplaces just as they are in unhealthy workplaces. The difference is that sick workplaces keep making the same or similar mistakes. They don’t learn from their mistakes. In a healthy workplace mistakes become a valued source for learning and people move on, improving their practice on the basis of their learning.

Living and working in a constant state of ‘crisis’ can be another useful indicator. Crisis conditions usually involve a high level of stress, anxiety and urgency. Sometimes, even if this is uncomfortable, it can be useful. However to be in a constant state of crisis is unhealthy, for people, and for workplaces.

Do you recognise any of these key symptoms? Can you identify other signs or symptoms of an unhealthy work environment? We are not claiming a comprehensive list here–just some points to consider. We look forward to hearing from you.

Peter Waterhouse & Peter Hancock

Work Doctors @ Workplace Learning Initiatives

Related Articles:

• Is your workplace sick?
• Why blaming doesn't work
• Curing a sick workplace: Coffee and cake, or onions? 
• Why focus on workplace learning?