Have you ever worked in a toxic, or highly dysfunctional, workplace?
You know the feeling: tension in the air, misunderstandings piling up, and stress levels through the roof. Maybe you’ve felt unappreciated, struggled to trust your teammates, or dreaded another conflict-filled meeting.
It’s draining, isn’t it?
A healthy work environment shouldn’t just be a perk. It should be the foundation for high-performing teams. When people feel safe, respected, and connected, magic happens. Creativity flows, collaboration thrives, and teams accomplish things they never thought possible.
On the other hand, a toxic workplace can drag even the best teams down, leaving people stuck in conflict, overwhelmed, and burned out. It’s like trying to run a marathon in cement shoes; nobody wins.
Here’s the thing: a great culture doesn’t just “happen.” It’s built, one decision and one interaction at a time. It takes leaders who are willing to pause, think, and act to make their teams stronger.
A healthy work environment isn’t about perfection, but it’s about forward progress.
When you focus on small, intentional actions to improve trust, communication, and accountability, you set the stage for your team to reach new heights. And that’s where the real magic begins.
In November of 2024, Darcy was interviewed by Authority Magazine on this topic. Here’s a quick look at her top five strategies for creating a more productive, healthier work environment.
Prefer to watch than read? Watch Darcy speak about her Top 5 Strategies for a Healthier Work Environment.
1. Practice the Pause
Taking a moment to pause before responding, especially in tense situations, can transform emotional reactions into thoughtful responses. By pausing, individuals can manage their internal reactions and foster more collaborative dynamics, leading to better communication and teamwork.
Why the Pause matters:
Open communication builds psychological safety, which is one of the strongest predictors of high-performing teams. When people feel heard, they are more likely to contribute, collaborate, and innovate.
How to practice it:
- Hold regular team check-ins where everyone is encouraged to speak.
- Use reflective listening techniques to ensure understanding.
- Model transparency as a leader, even when the news is difficult to share.
2. Ditch the Judgement, Double Down on Curiosity
Instead of jumping to conclusions about others’ differences, cultivate curiosity. Teams that embrace each other’s strengths, even when they clash, can turn conflict into creativity. This shift from judgment to understanding helps teams leverage diverse skills more effectively.
Why curiosity matters:
Curiosity shifts teams out of blame and into understanding. It allows differences to become assets instead of obstacles, fostering psychological safety and deeper collaboration.
How to practice curiosity:
- Replace “Why did you do that?” with “Help me understand your thinking.”
- Use team assessments (like Kolbe) to explore different styles.
- Model curiosity as a leader by asking open-ended questions before jumping to solutions.
3. Communicate with Crystal Clarity
Clear communication prevents unnecessary friction. Regular check-ins, setting clear expectations, and seeking feedback can alleviate misunderstandings and stress. Simple practices like these ensure everyone is on the same page and working toward shared goals.
Why clarity matters:
Clear expectations reduce frustration and confusion. When people know what’s expected and feel safe asking questions, collaboration improves, and stress decreases.
How to practice clear communication:
- Clarify goals, roles, and deadlines in writing.
- Recap key takeaways at the end of meetings.
- Invite feedback regularly to ensure messages are being received as intended.
4. Reflect, Revamp, Repeat Reflection
Reflection helps teams identify what’s working and what isn’t. By setting aside time to evaluate dynamics and make adjustments, teams create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, leading to increased inclusion, engagement, and overall performance.
Why reflection matters:
Without regular reflection, teams risk repeating unhelpful patterns. Stepping back to evaluate what’s working (and what’s not) allows for course correction, better alignment, and continuous improvement.
How to practice reflection:
- Schedule quarterly team retrospectives to assess progress and adjust priorities.
- Ask “What did we learn?” after major projects or challenges.
- Encourage open conversations about team dynamics, not just task outcomes.
5. Build Trust, Brick by Brick
Trust is essential for team cohesion and productivity. Building trust through small, consistent actions—such as keeping promises and showing appreciation—creates a secure and open environment where team members can thrive and collaborate effectively.
Why building trust matters:
Trust is the foundation of a high-performing team. Without it, collaboration breaks down. With it, people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and bring their full selves to work.
How to practice it:
- Follow through on your commitments—no matter how small.
- Own your mistakes and encourage others to do the same.
- Create space for honest conversations, even when they’re uncomfortable.
How To Move Towards a Healthy Work Environment: Start Small, Stay Consistent
You don’t need a massive overhaul to create a healthier work environment. Small, consistent actions, when rooted in care and intention, build trust, boost morale, and strengthen performance over time.
As a leader, you set the tone. When you model pausing before reacting, lead with curiosity, communicate clearly, reflect often, and consistently build trust, you create the kind of culture where your team can thrive.
Next step: Choose one of the five strategies and implement it this week. Then reflect: What worked? What could you improve? Keep refining. This is a practice, not a one-time project.
Want Help Creating a Healthier Team Culture?
Strengthening team dynamics, improving communication, and reducing burnout can absolutely become a reality. At Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, we help leaders build Thoughtfully Fit® teams where people thrive and perform at their best.
Let’s talk. Whether it’s team training or leadership coaching, we can help you create a workplace that’s not only highly productive, but healthy, inclusive, and sustainable.
Looking for more information about team development? Be sure to check out our Leader’s Guide to Building Stronger Teams.
