In this deeply personal episode, I share the story that changed everything - the moment I realised I had become the toxic colleague I once feared.

What You'll Learn:

• How burnout transforms good people into toxic colleagues
  The 6 key drivers that create toxic workplace cultures
  Why complaining becomes a survival mechanism in broken systems
  The unconscious ways we perpetuate harmful workplace dynamics
  How changing environments can help us rediscover our authentic selves

Key Takeaways:

1. Toxic workplace culture isn't created by inherently bad people - it's created by good people under impossible pressure
2. When all burnout drivers are present (excessive workload, lack of control, poor work-life balance, no recognition, uncertainty, toxic behaviours), even compassionate people can become part of the problem
3. Breaking the cycle requires conscious choice and often environmental chang
4. We can choose to survive workplace challenges together with compassion rather than tearing each other down

Reflection Question: What energy are you bringing to your workplace conversations, and how might that be affecting your colleagues?

Resources Mentioned:

The 6 drivers of burnout and toxic workplace culture
Signs of unconscious toxic behaviour adaptation
Strategies for breaking negative workplace cycles

This episode marks 3 years of the Burnout Recovery Podcast - thank you for being part of this journey toward healthier, more sustainable work cultures.