Working in a toxic environment can rapidly erode your feelings about your job. Just dragging yourself to the office every day can fill you with dread. And evaluating whether to speak up about the toxicity — Who should you talk to? How much should you say? — can be incredibly intimidating.
When Should You Take a Problem to HR?
Ask yourself these three questions before escalating an issue.
August 09, 2023
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Summary.
Toxic norms and cultures are among the hardest workplace issues to deal with. They can make people question their values and competence and even wonder if quitting is their only option. Study after study shows that these kinds of cultures drive attrition. Other people make or break our experiences at work. If you’re considering going to HR about a toxic situation at your job, you may be concerned about the potential repercussions. These are normal fears, and before you do anything, it’s worth thinking carefully about what you want to do and make sure you understand the possible outcomes. The author presents three questions to help you assess your options as you weigh the pros and cons of speaking to HR.
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Learn how to resolve those inevitable workplace conflicts.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Difficult Interactions Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Difficult Interactions. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to resolve those inevitable workplace conflicts.