The Toxic Environment Between Reality and Exaggeration: A New Perspective on Workplace Challenges

 

The term has come to be used to describe any unpleasant experience or normal tension — whether it’s due to a strict manager or work-related challenges.

In recent years, the term “toxic work environment” has been frequently mentioned by both employees and managers, becoming one of the most commonly discussed concepts in the world of human resources. With the approach of World Mental Health Day on October 10, it is important that we pause and ask ourselves: Are we using this term correctly? Or have we turned it into a ready-made label for any discomfort or disagreement in the workplace?

Previously, the term was used to describe workplaces that genuinely exhibited harmful and systematic behaviors — such as bullying, discrimination, exclusion, and exploitation — practices that can leave deep psychological scars on individuals and lead to burnout or mental health crises. However, in recent years, it has been used to describe any unpleasant experience or normal stress — whether due to a strict manager, a major project challenge, or differing opinions among colleagues. This has blurred the lines between concepts, leading us to label every difficult experience as “toxic,” stripping the term of its real meaning.

Before moving into the recruitment field, I worked for several years in human psychology, where I witnessed firsthand the effects of unhealthy work environments on self-confidence, as well as their long-term psychological impact on individuals.

Therefore, I fully understand the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace. However, I also believe that the overuse of psychological terms without distinction can lead to counterproductive results.

At a time when the United Arab Emirates is making great efforts to build workplaces based on happiness, productivity, and mutual respect — placing human well-being at the heart of national development through the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which emphasizes the importance of the work environment as a key factor in enhancing competitiveness and innovation — we must preserve the accuracy of the terms we use to describe our professional experiences. Language shapes public awareness, and the way we talk about our work environment influences how we handle challenges. Work, by nature, is not always comfortable, and success is not born in comfort zones but rather in spaces of challenge and growth.

We may disagree with a colleague, receive harsh feedback, or face pressure to complete an important project — all of these are normal parts of a work environment. They do not mean that the workplace is toxic. Rather, these are moments and experiences that build expertise, resilience, and adaptability.

The danger of misusing such terms also lies in their effect on leadership and management. Today, many leaders and managers hesitate to give honest feedback or hold employees accountable for poor performance out of fear of being labeled “toxic.” This results in hesitant leadership and workplaces that lack ambition and accountability. Here lies the irony: the fear of toxicity can actually create real toxicity.

Therefore, it is important to teach new generations of employees that discomfort does not necessarily mean danger — it may be a sign of personal growth. Professional challenges are opportunities to learn new skills, such as conflict management, effective communication, and emotional regulation — skills that cannot be developed in an environment completely free of stress.

What we need is not to deny feelings or justify bad behavior, but to distinguish between what is difficult and what is harmful. We must preserve the strength of the term so that it remains a fair description for situations that truly deserve it — not a convenient excuse to avoid responsibility or justify failure.

Building a healthy work culture is not achieved through slogans, but through honest and open dialogue between employers and employees. Instead of making general accusations, we can express ourselves more accurately with statements such as:

• “I don’t feel safe expressing my opinion in meetings.”

• “The lack of clear expectations is causing exhaustion.”

• “We need to improve internal communication.”

These statements open the door to reform rather than accusation and encourage practical solutions that enhance team performance without breaking individual spirit.

The UAE has made great strides in creating a balanced work ecosystem that values people and invests in their well-being and skills. Maintaining this balance requires mature linguistic and cultural awareness — knowing when to describe an environment as motivating, when to call it harmful, and when to simply choose patience and professionalism. Because if we label every challenge as “toxic,” there will be no room for growth. And if we turn every difficulty into a crisis, we will not create the future leaders we aspire to have.

By: Tiago Costa – CEO of Paricima
Source: khaleejtimes.com