Almost every week there is a new toxic culture story in the media, and Australia is no exception. Allegations of toxic management have been reported at WiseTech, Country Road Group, Bureau of Meteorology and Sony Australia to name a few. The culture in some parts of Nine (the owner of this masthead) was alleged to be so toxic that employees dubbed it “Punishment Island”.

According to research, almost half the world’s population dreads going to work. That feeling, in the pit of the stomach, of having to work in an environment of uncertainty, fear, poor communication, micromanagement, bullying or daily toxic behaviours can be difficult to bear.

No human being should ever suffer at the hands of a bad boss and in situations where you cannot quit.Credit: Andrew Quilty

Yet, what the research doesn’t make clear, is that regardless of this feeling of dread, people will show up anyway because, well, they have to. Groceries need to be bought, mortgages or rent need to be paid, children need to be educated or loved ones cared for.

Far too often the advice – if you dread going to work – is simply to quit. But for many this is impossible, as the uncertainties are too........

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