The Hidden Cost of Toxic Workplaces: How Workplace Culture Impacts Mental Health and Burnout
In today’s fast-paced, performance-driven world, the culture of the workplace isn’t just a “nice to have” but a critical component of mental health, wellbeing, and performance. As a psychotherapist and human-centered coach, I’ve seen first-hand how a workplace's culture can either foster psychological safety and engagement or fuel chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout.
In today’s fast-paced, performance-driven world, the culture of the workplace isn’t just a “nice to have” but a critical component of mental health, wellbeing, and performance. As a psychotherapist and human-centered coach, I’ve seen first-hand how a workplace's culture can either foster psychological safety and engagement or fuel chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Why Workplace Culture Matters More Than Ever
Workplace culture is more than perks, ping-pong tables, and snacks. It’s the shared values, behaviors, and attitudes that shape the interactions you have with people you are likely to spend more awake time with than the person you choose as a life partner. I frequently work with clients struggling with symptoms of burnout, depression, and anxiety — all closely tied to the environments in which they work. The pattern is clear: when people feel undervalued, overworked, or unsafe, their emotional wellbeing suffers.
How Toxic Culture Fuels Burnout
In cultures where productivity is prioritized over people, burnout becomes inevitable. Some cultural contributors to burnout I commonly see are:
Lack of Psychological Safety
When employees fear being punished for mistakes or avoid speaking up due to fear of retaliation, it creates ongoing stress and emotional suppression.
2. Overemphasis on Hustle
A culture that glorifies overwork sends the message that rest is weakness. This not only damages mental health but also leads to decreased productivity and innovation.
3. Poor Leadership and Communication
Leaders set the tone. When leadership lacks empathy or fails to communicate clearly, it creates confusion, mistrust, and emotional exhaustion.
4. Unclear Expectations and Role Creep
A lack of boundaries and constantly shifting responsibilities lead to emotional overload and a loss of purpose — both major drivers of burnout.
Final Thoughts: Culture Is the Foundation of Mental Health at Work
The secret sauce of creating a sustainable and scalable business today is to create a culture that makes everyone feel safe, seen, and supported. Human centered coaching can help you reimagine your workspace to support both your own and your team’s mental health. Prioritizing human dignity over performance metrics will create better business performance and better lives.
I’m here to help!
Trauma Therapy: How Healing from Trauma Can Transform Your Life
Unresolved trauma can shape how we think, feel, and engage with the world. Fortunately, healing is possible and trauma therapy offers a path forward.
Unresolved trauma can shape how we think, feel, and engage with the world, It affects every part of your work and personal life. Whether it stems from childhood experiences, abuse, neglect, loss or life altering events, trauma has the potential to disrupt your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Fortunately, healing is possible and trauma therapy offers a path forward.
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. Trauma focused approaches are evidence based and tailored to address the unique and often complex effects of trauma. They go beyond traditional talk therapy by targeting the root cause of trauma in the brain and body. Experienced trauma therapists have unique tools to help you process traumatic memories, reduce symptoms, and rebuild trust in yourself and the world around you.
Benefits of Trauma Therapy
Here are some of the most transformative benefits of engaging in trauma-informed therapy:
Emotional Regulation
Trauma can cause intense emotional swings or emotional numbness. Therapy helps you develop tools to understand and manage these emotions in a healthy, balanced way.
Reduction of PTSD Symptoms
Trauma therapy is clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of PTSD such as flashbacks, nightmares, or hyper-vigilance and improve quality of life.
Reconnecting with Your Body
Many trauma survivors feel disconnected from their physical selves. Somatic-based therapies help you tune into bodily sensations, release stored trauma, and feel grounded again.
Healthier Relationships
Unhealed trauma can make forming real connections to people feel unsafe or overwhelming. Therapy can help you rebuild trust, set boundaries, and foster deeper connections with others.
Restored Sense of Safety and Control
One of trauma’s biggest impacts is the loss of control. A trained therapist creates a safe, empowering environment where you can regain confidence and agency in your life.
How Do You Know If You Need Trauma Therapy?
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from trauma therapy. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to seek support:
Recurring anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic stress
Nightmares or flashbacks
Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships
Emotional numbness or outbursts
Unexplained physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, fatigue)
Feelings of guilt, shame, or low self-worth
Final Thoughts
Healing from trauma isn’t about forgetting—it’s about reclaiming your life, your identity, and your peace of mind. Trauma therapy offers a powerful set of tools to help you move forward with strength and hope. Seeking help is a courageous step.
If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, reach out to a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma and PTSD. You are not alone—and healing is possible.