EPISODE 8: How to build a healthy inclusive workplace
Building Healthy Workplaces: Moving Beyond Narcissism and Toxic Leadership
Embracing Change for a Better Future
As we wrap up our series on narcissistic leadership in toxic workplaces, it’s time to pivot from surviving these environments to actively building a culture of psychological safety and empathy. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to work in a space that values respect, care, and accountability, this final episode is for you.
What Does Healthy Leadership Look Like?
In healthy workplaces, leadership goes beyond just managing a team, it’s about building an environment where responsibility, action, courage, and empowerment reign. We discuss how narcissistic leaders differ, often ruling through fear, deflecting responsibility, and creating a culture of control rather than collaboration. A good leader doesn’t just want to be seen as doing good, they actively create spaces where employees feel valued and heard.
Toxic Leadership: What to Watch Out For
The myth of the “difficult genius” has caused significant harm, as it enables toxic behaviour under the guise of brilliance. Charisma should not excuse poor leadership or abusive behaviour. In this episode, we explore how narcissistic leaders manipulate their teams and offer insights from clinical psychologist, Dr Daksha Hirani and our in-house HR Consultant Raakhi Tanvi on how to identify and prevent this toxic behaviour from spreading.
Empathy in Leadership: A Key to Psychological Safety
Psychological safety comes from leaders who listen, care, and create space for their teams to thrive. Empathy in leadership is more than a buzzword, it’s the foundation of a workplace culture that enables accountability, trust, and emotional well-being. We discuss how empathy in leadership can create workplaces where employees feel safe and respected, and how leaders can set an example by modelling empathetic behaviour.
Building Inclusive and Safe Workplaces: Red Flags to Look For
Workplaces often present themselves as "we’re a family" but this narrative can mask toxic dynamics. We explore why this phrase should be avoided and how to spot red flags in workplaces where the toxic culture is just beneath the surface. Transparency and fairness during the hiring and promotion processes are essential to creating an inclusive culture.
The Role of HR in Psychological Safety
HR plays a pivotal role in creating an inclusive and psychologically safe environment. However, it’s essential to understand the distinction between HR and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and how these functions should work together to enable a supportive and inclusive workplace. A diverse HR team and clear, inclusive policies are essential for maintaining a workplace where all employees feel safe, heard, and valued.
Navigating the Toxic Work Culture: What’s Holding Us Back?
Burnout and overwork often go hand in hand with toxic work environments. In this episode, we highlight the emotional labour that falls disproportionately on marginalised groups and the consequences of a workplace culture that values hustle over well-being. How can we advocate for work-life balance, set healthy boundaries, and ensure we’re not working ourselves into the ground?
Advocating for Yourself: Empowering Employees in Toxic Environments
If you’re navigating a toxic workplace, advocating for yourself is crucial. Recognising when you’re in an unhealthy environment and knowing how to protect your peace is vital. Whether you’re still in a toxic workplace, planning an exit, or rebuilding after the fallout, it’s essential to prioritise your mental health and self-worth. Remember, you are allowed to choose yourself again and again.
Healing, Change, and Moving Forward
Healing is possible. It’s time to stop glorifying burnout and toxic work cultures and start building workplaces that put people first. Change begins with awareness, and it’s up to each of us to take responsibility for creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces. You are allowed to choose yourself, protect your peace, and create a future that reflects your values and well-being.
Share the Podcast, Leave a Review
If this series has resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Please leave a review and follow us to stay updated on future episodes.
Resources & Further Support
Listen to all episodes: otherbox.co/podcast
Click here to access additional resources including Dr Daksha’s digital course here
Learn more about narcissism, burnout, and protective tools in our Diversity Dictionary course: otherbox.co/education
Subscribe, share, and rate the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast or wherever you listen.
Whether you’re just starting to question a toxic dynamic or deep into your healing, we hope this podcast helps you name it, understand it, and start to heal from it. Because work should work for you.
———
Narcissism At Work podcast is out now and is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Check out our resources page here for support. Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with Other Box.
Need support for your team? Contact us to explore how we can help build healthier, safer workplaces.
