When Workplace Culture Goes Bad and What to do About it

When Workplace Culture Goes Bad and What to do About it

Feb 17, 2025

Workplace culture can be a source of motivation and growth, but it can also be a significant stressor when it fosters toxicity, exclusion, or a lack of psychological safety. Employees in such environments may experience frustration, anxiety, and even burnout. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a practical approach to managing stress, can help individuals navigate these challenges by addressing irrational beliefs and cultivating a healthier mindset.


Jenna, a talented project manager, joined a prestigious firm, hoping to thrive in an innovative environment. However, she quickly realised that the culture was far from inclusive. Leadership operated with favoritism, psychological safety was nonexistent, and employees were discouraged from expressing concerns. Jenna found herself overanalysing every interaction, fearing rejection and failure. Her stress levels soared as she internalized the belief, "If I don’t fit in perfectly, I will never succeed here."


Through REBT, Jenna learned to challenge this irrational belief. She asked herself: Is it true that I must be completely accepted to succeed? No. Does it logically follow that lack of inclusion means I’m incapable? No. Is this belief helping me, or is it making me miserable? The latter. With this realization, she shifted her focus from seeking validation to controlling what she could—her performance, resilience, and well-being.


3 Ways to practice REBT in the face of workplace culture issues

1. Challenge Your Irrational Beliefs

Toxic work cultures can lead to self-defeating thoughts like, "I must be liked by everyone," or "If I don’t conform, I’ll be a failure." Use the REBT questioning approach:

  • Is this belief true?
  • Does it logically follow?
  • Is it helping me? By reframing these thoughts, you can replace rigid expectations with healthier, more adaptable perspectives.


2. Focus on Your Sphere of Control

While you may not be able to change the workplace culture overnight, you can control your reactions, boundaries, and mindset. Identify actions within your influence, such as:

  • Seeking allies and support networks
  • Setting clear professional boundaries
  • Prioritising self-care and stress management


3. Adopt Unconditional Self-Acceptance

A lack of inclusion or psychological safety can make you question your worth. REBT teaches that your value isn’t defined by others’ opinions. Instead of thinking, "I must be fully accepted to succeed," shift to, "I am competent and worthy regardless of external validation." Self-acceptance fosters resilience, allowing you to maintain confidence despite workplace challenges.


Workplace culture stressors can be overwhelming, but REBT provides a framework to navigate them effectively. By challenging irrational beliefs, focusing on what you can control, and embracing self-acceptance, you can mitigate the emotional toll of a toxic work environment. While organizations should strive for inclusive and psychologically safe cultures, individuals can empower themselves by cultivating a rational and resilient mindset.