{"id":250876,"date":"2025-09-23T06:09:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T10:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=250876"},"modified":"2025-09-23T08:46:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T12:46:25","slug":"toxic-workplace-cultures-are-taking-a-heavy-toll-on-both-productivity-and-health-in-antigua-and-barbuda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/toxic-workplace-cultures-are-taking-a-heavy-toll-on-both-productivity-and-health-in-antigua-and-barbuda\/","title":{"rendered":"Toxic workplace cultures are taking a heavy toll on both productivity and health in Antigua and Barbuda"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Tackling Toxic Workplaces: Psychologist Calls for Culture Shift in Antigua and Barbuda<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toxic workplace cultures are taking a heavy toll on both productivity and health in Antigua and Barbuda, according to clinical psychologist Fiona Charles-Richards, who urged employers and employees alike to confront the issue head-on.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Speaking at the Antigua and Barbuda<\/a> Workers\u2019 Union\u2019s (ABWU) forum on stress and mental health, Charles-Richards said unhealthy environments often begin with seemingly minor conflicts that go unresolved.<\/p>

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Left unchecked, these disputes evolve into entrenched divisions that undermine morale, collaboration, and performance.<\/p>

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Charles-Richards, who serves as Director of the Family and Social Services Division, warned that prolonged exposure to toxic conditions is more than just an inconvenience\u2014it can contribute to serious health problems. ‘<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She explained that chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which are linked to hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer.<\/p>

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\u201cProductivity falls when tension dominates the workplace,\u201d she told delegates, emphasising that the damage extends far beyond the office, affecting family life and long-term well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Charles-Richards outlined a framework for addressing workplace toxicity:<\/p>

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