Toxic Doesn’t Always Yell

When people think of toxic workplaces, they picture shouting matches, blatant disrespect, or someone getting humiliated in front of the team.

But in healthcare and public safety, the toxicity is usually quieter than that.

It’s the charge nurse who rolls their eyes at a question.

It’s the shift supervisor who “forgets” to pass along a concern.

It’s the leader who’s never outright cruel—but never really available either.

Toxic doesn’t always yell. Sometimes it just silently wears people down.

I’ve worked with teams who had no single villain, no obvious blow-up moment—just years of unresolved tension, whispered frustrations, and a steady stream of good people walking out the door.

The damage didn’t come from one big thing. It came from hundreds of little ones no one ever addressed.

Here’s what that kind of culture sounds like:

→ “That’s just how it is.”

→ “Keep your head down.”

→ “I don’t bother bringing it up anymore.”

When those phrases become the norm, you’re not just losing morale—you’re losing trust, accountability, and growth.

Great leadership isn’t just about avoiding drama. It’s about actively creating safety, setting the tone, and staying close enough to catch the problems before they start rotting the culture from the inside.

If your team is quiet, distant, or going through the motions, don’t assume it’s a motivation problem. It might be a culture that’s quietly turned toxic.

Let’s rebuild from something real. Something people want to stay part of.

Head to www.jandmsolves.com, click “Home,” then hit “Yes, I want that” to start the conversation.