016: Toxic Workplaces Hurt Us All: Here’s How to Identify and Shift the Dynamic

“Is My Boss Serving Kool Aid?”

Sarah Lerner of And Together Discusses the Cost of Toxic Workplaces -- and Maps the Way Forward

Toxic workplaces cost big. If you’re cowering in your cubicle or dodging bullies, you aren’t bringing your “A”-game to the office. You’re probably waist-deep in a job search.

If that’s you, you’re not alone: According to a 2020 study, 20% of all U.S. employees reported fleeing a toxic workplace over the previous five years, at an estimated price tag of $220 billion in lost productivity -- to say nothing of missed opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Shift’s Zac Erikson hashes out this pervasive problem with Sarah Lerner, Shift client and founder of And Together, an organization that strives to create more inclusive workplaces by consulting on collaborative solutions. 

In this episode, they tackle questions like: 

• How do you know if you’re in a toxic workplace? (Hint: Is there Kool Aid on tap?)
• How can organizations disrupt unhealthy dynamics and foster inclusivity -- and what’s in it for them? (Five letter word, starts with ‘m’ and rhymes with funny.)
• How can we as individuals participate in difficult conversations and respond to feedback that might make our neck hair stand on end? (Get ready to dust off your yoga mat.)