POLOKWANE – A toxic work environment can make it difficult for employees to enjoy their jobs and perform well every day. When there is bullying, poor communication, unfair treatment, or too much pressure, people often feel stressed, unhappy, and unmotivated.
This can affect their confidence, mental health, and the quality of their work. A healthy workplace helps employees do their best, while a toxic one can have a negative impact on both their personal well-being and daily performance.
Review Online asked Polokwane residents how working in a toxic environment affected them and their daily performances, and here is what they had to say:
Diketso Mohlele: Working in a toxic environment really wears you down. Some days you show up already exhausted, and it was hard to focus because half my energy went into watching what I said and bracing for the next round of criticism. Tasks that should’ve been simple took forever, and I stopped sharing ideas because it felt pointless; I was just trying to survive the day. And it didn’t stop at work. I’d bring that stress home, lie awake replaying conversations, feel anxious on Sunday nights. I started doubting myself and lost motivation for things I used to enjoy. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere. You can still move, but everything feels so much harder.
Shantel Malindzi: Working in a toxic environment has affected both my performance and my well-being. It’s difficult to stay motivated and focused when you’re constantly under stress, and over time it takes a toll on your mental and emotional health.
Refiole Kale: it drained me, waking up every day was a job on its own. My performance dropped to the point that everything I submitted had a mistake somewhere. I started forgetting deadlines; my mind was always raised and on guard. I was starting to struggle with sleeping, which affected my mental health & productivity. My anxiety skyrocketed; every time there was a query, I wondered what mistake I had made now.
Naho Malusele: Working in a toxic environment made me feel like I wasn’t productive enough. Working in that environment made me develop anxiety. Every time I had to wake up, I felt tired, not because I was tired but because I wasn’t ready to face the workers who looked down on me because I was younger than them. So I had to work 10 times harder to meet their expectations, but that was still not enough. I just had to tell myself I am going to work to do my job, avoid them and get the cheque.
Jennifer Allan: Working in a toxic environment has affected me so much that I stopped going out and abandoned myself. I was always exhausted and not motivated to even do my work. That’s when I knew that it had really affected me, my personal life and my immune system. I have experienced difficulty in waking up and relying on unhealthy mechanisms like a poor diet.
Albertina Khosa: Working in a toxic work environment has negatively affected both my performance and my well-being. It has increased my stress levels, reduced my motivation, and made it difficult to stay focused and productive. Constant negativity and poor communication have affected my confidence and job satisfaction, leaving me mentally and emotionally drained. Despite trying to remain professional, the environment has made it more challenging to perform at my best each day.
