Toxic workplaces are unhealthy for both lawyers and the organisation they work in. They can arise for a variety of reasons such as poor leadership that doesn’t promote a sense of belonging and inclusion, poor communication and poor employee support if, for example, employees are regularly overworking with no recognition or reward, or feel there is no forum for their voice to be heard.
Sadly, I hear all too often that law firms, or specific team, are toxic.
It may be that partners or supervisors favour one team member over another, or themselves is not trained in collaborative or conscious leadership, where they would bring greater self-awareness and team spirit to the workplace.
In the worst of cases, left to continue, a toxic workplace can affect mental and physical wellbeing, leading to high stress levels, less motivation, poorer focus, muscle tightness, ill health, reduced productivity and therefore, a huge impact on a business’s profits – and potentially its reputation. Overwhelm and burnout from chronic exposure to a toxic workplace can inevitably lead to greater absenteeism. Unfortunately, lawyers are often reported to be one of the main professions that turns to unhelpful coping through alcohol or drugs.
In such an environment, lawyers at all levels may feel undervalued and disrespected, notwithstanding their accomplishments and skills. This can be particularly true for lawyers reaching a significant stage of their career such an qualification or partnership. This can lead to such low morale that they are less interested in supporting the bigger business goals – they are no longer aligned to the business’s mission and vision because they do not feel the business is interested in them. Those from an underrepresented background may feel even greater pressure to keep going for heightened fear of losing income, for example.
With the recent wave of the Great Resignation where employees feel they’re not “all in” and want a job with purpose, it’s so important for legal teams to understand that toxic workplaces are bad news for business. Clients may also notice negative changes in behaviours, for example, more mistakes or unmet deadlines.
What does a toxic workplace look like?
As an observer, there are certain behaviours you might notice:
a supervisor or leader spends more time with a particular individual, favouring them with interesting projects or more client meetings
gossip may be increasing between junior or senior lawyers or support staff, hiding when a supervisor or partner walks by.
some leaders instil fear by operating as micro-managers, undermining the skills and opportunities a lawyer may otherwise have.
leaders or other team members not owning up to mistakes, or secretly putting others down
Toxic environments put people on edge. Lawyers may become hyper vigilant, keeping their head down. They will be full of nerves but trying to mask it. Mentally and emotionally, the impact may lead to them feeling low, anxious or angry and this may manifest in physical symptoms such a crying, shaking, muscle tension, sweating and self-doubt.
If you’re an employer
My recommendation, after thousands of hours of coaching, is to pay attention. Be observant and honest about the environment lawyers are having to operate in. Not all law firms are toxic by any means. There may however be times where deadlines lead to unhealthy workplace expectations.
If clients are unreasonable with their demands, if deadlines are going to lead to a toxic environment, aim to be more realistic. Educate clients. Let them know that the welfare of your working population is a priority because that is how you and the client will get the best from it.
Embrace your firm’s wellbeing policy so that your teams can see it is meaningful. If they experience that it is just a policy in writing, not practice, you risk low morale which impacts retention and performance.
Be transparent – this can be with regard to the demands but also with your own experiences of coping through busier or stressful periods.
How to make sure you do not carry all the negativity of this around
If possible, for your own wellbeing, you may want or need to leave the toxic workplace. If you are unable to do that immediately, consider searching for other roles where your skills will be valued. For this, you can talk to recruiters or job centres and employability coaches too.
Finding a new role helps you to release the negativity as not all workplaces are toxic. You can enter a new role with a fresh perspective and boundaries, especially if you spend a little time understanding what made the previous environment so toxic. Doing this will help you in your research around the culture, retention rates or actual working hours of other organisations. You’ll be better informed and therefore make a more conscious decision.
It’s important to take care of your mind, emotions and body to manage stress from the experience you’ve had. This can include
journaling - writing daily about your positive experiences or three things you are grateful for, however small
mindfulness - being mindful and present in each moment such as when you are walking is a well-established self-care tool to minimise stress and remain in control
physical exercise - such as walking, running, yoga or a fun activity/hobby
watching your own inner critic - if you automatically use negative language, try to reframe your experience and look forward with a new goal that promotes your wellbeing and allows you to optimise your potential in the right workplace.
seeking support from friends or family or a professional such as a career development coach or therapist.
Understand how to thrive. If you want to learn more abut improving happiness and performance, contact me today for a free exploration of what's right for you. anita@anitagohilthorp.com or find me on LinkedIn (1) Anita Gohil Coaching PCC Women Solicitors Network (Helping lawyers uncover potential and wellness) MindThrive™️ Coach Career Life Business Wellness | LinkedIn
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