The satisfaction of having peace of mind is so much more than the fulfillment of earning a lot. It is no secret that toxicity at work is one of the main reasons why an employee opts to leave their job despite high earnings. When an individual does not feel their importance and the respect they give does not reciprocate, an employee’s value weakens, which limits their opportunity to explore growth and enhance their skills for leadership and communication. This poor employee experience affects the core of the company’s workplace as it provides high turnover and dissatisfaction in terms of employee retention.

In an analysis performed by Sull et al. (2021), which was published at the MIT Sloan Management Review, they conducted a study to better understand the main causes of the Great Resignation in the United States. The aim of this analysis is to help leaders take effective actions. Part of the study was to determine the top predictors of employee turnover amidst the Great Resignation, and it was surprisingly revealed that lower compensation is just a moderate factor in high turnover; toxic corporate culture is considerably the most sturdy predictor of employee turnover; and the author’s analysis found that the foremost reasons for a toxic corporate culture involve disrespect towards other employees, negligence in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and the idea of practicing unethical behavior at work.

In reality, there is no definite representation of what makes a corporate environment toxic or where the breed for this negative culture is rooted. However, the term “toxic” can be associated with when cruel and abusive behavior linked with disparaging remarks towards an employee is seen as a normal thing within the workplace, and these activities usually stem from a dysfunctional organization and poor leadership. This culture may hardly change, as it has become an actual practice that cannot be transformed overnight.

How Does Virtual Workspace Reduce Toxic Corporate Culture?

Office dramas, silent politics, and unnecessary gossip are some of the causes that can kill one’s credibility at work. These behaviors, if not called out, can disrupt an organization’s work culture and soon be the root cause of a toxic work environment. These activities occur commonly in in-person work, as the nature of onsite work makes it more likely to be exposed to comparison and competition. Conquering turbulent dramas is truly challenging and can sometimes lead to a more profound problem that could take a toll on one’s mental health.

A virtual workspace provides a better opportunity for both employees and employers to develop a healthier work culture. Doing remote work in a virtual workspace maintains work-life balance and encourages time freedom, which makes it harder for corporate drama to take place. A virtual workspace allows everyone to tailor their schedule, set a purposeful objective, and provide creative strategies to be more productive compared to working in a stable office that is more prone to colleague distractions.

Virtual Workspace Helps Enhance Employee Retention

According to a CNBC article by Abigail Johnson Hess, a Harris Poll survey revealed that approximately half of 903 working Americans are considering a career change. Roughly 41% of those workers would like to consider leaving their jobs because of their company’s lack of concern in the midst of a pandemic, and approximately 76% of the survey respondents would like their company to make their work permanently flexible considering the schedule and location.

Empathy is one of the supreme values that remote work lowkey establishes. Employees working in a virtual workspace are becoming more effective and compassionate, as they feel more lenient, less toxic, and independent. By providing options to be flexible in terms of the workplace and by allowing them to finish the output on their own, employees will produce greater output without feeling pressured and forced.