LETTER: Working in a toxic environment

Dear Editor,

Several months ago, I made a conscious decision to migrate from the private sector and seek employment with a statutory board, in order to fill a vacant position as a Human Resource Administrator.

So far,  since I have been employed for the said statutory board, I must admit that I am a bit flabbergasted to see how the harmony among the staff, differs from that of the private establishment, where I last worked.

What peeked my interest even more, is the several cliques that have been formed within the establishment and the low moral among the staff. According to my instincts, I have concluded that this is perhaps a culture throughout the public and statutory sectors.

Interestingly, I further realized that persons have very little motivation and enthusiasm to be on the job site. It is evident that persons are  reporting to their jobs only because it is solely a main source of income to put bread & butter on their table.

From my vantage point, many persons have become withdrawn on the job, and to acquire personal comfort, they have created their own bubble to work in throughout the work day. The cliques and the withdrawals, have developed a tense and inconducive working atmosphere, hence some employees are finding themselves not talking to each other.

Prior to my employment with the statutory board,  I have always heard that the public sector / statutory boards lacks synergie and the camaraderie among the staff. Certainly, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. I am now getting first hand experience.

As time passes by, I am beginning to understand as to why the work environment  within the public and statutory establishments are so toxic. The crunch of the matter is that  persons are been prejudiced and discriminated against by their superiors. Some persons are blatantly being overlooked for promotions.

Of course,  there is no organization that has a perfect working environment. The culture, the rules, and policies of the said organization will not all resonate with every employee within the establishment. As a result, descrepencies and ill feelings will develop.

Inspite of the fact that the toxic atmosphere do exist within the private sector, the toxicity that I am presently witnessing, seems to be more prevalent  & pronounce within the public or statutory sectors.  The question is asked why?

Surprisingly, it is of the view that many of these government establishments are used as social programs. Persons get jobs & promotions from having close political ties with politicians. Others may have close relationships with those in the hierarchy. Others, may be propelled up the corporate ladder. At the end of the day,  some persons sometimes end up as square pegs placed in round holes.

Of course,  all mouths should be fed. But it is very blatant that some persons are treated with disrespect and hence, are been overlooked or sideline and not given the justice that is duly due to them. Others are looked down on in a condescending manner because of their social & economic background. 

Obviously, if workers feel disenfranchised and are not given that respect and justice that is due to them, then the human element of dissatisfaction will surface. From every action, a reaction will subsequently follow, which can leave the organization’s production output not to be at its optimum.

Alex

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