Toxic workplaces come in many different forms that we might not always notice.

And because we aren’t all affected in the same ways, even the most well-meaning managers can unintentionally contribute to an unhealthy culture if they aren't paying close attention.

Aoife O’Brien is an organizational psychologist, leadership expert, and author of Thriving Talent. Her work focuses on helping organizations create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to perform at their best.

In this conversation, we explore what actually makes a workplace toxic, practical ways to spot the early warning signs of an unhealthy culture, and clear, everyday actions you can take to foster trust, respect, and psychological safety. Because culture is something you create moment by moment, not something you merely declare.

Conversation Topics

(00:00) Introduction
(02:21) Types of Toxic Workplaces (and How They Develop)
(06:17) Why Toxic Cultures Persist and How to Start Changing Them
(10:06) A Framework for Building Thriving Workplaces
(13:17) Fostering Psychological Safety at Every Level
(17:58) Understanding What Actually Drives People at Work
(21:05) Meeting Individual Needs
(25:54) One Thing Managers Can Do Tomorrow
(28:12) Closing Thoughts and Book Recommendations
(31:04) [Extended Only] Gaining Awareness of Your Strengths
(34:07) [Extended Only] Managing Conflicting Strengths on Teams
(37:35) [Extended Only] Structuring Collaboration So Different Strengths Shine

📚 Additional Resources:

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Keep up with Aoife O’Brien

- Connect with Aoife on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

- Follow Happier at Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happieratworkpodcast

- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappieratWorkHQ

- Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happieratwork

Guest Bonus: 10% Off Thriving Talent Book

In Thriving Talent, Aoife O’Brien challenges the idea that engagement and performance are trade-offs. Instead, she shows leaders how to create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to use their strengths every day.

Blending research with practical tools, the book introduces a clear framework for building cultures that drive performance, engagement, and retention without relying on perks or pressure.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

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404: How to Spot and Stop Toxic Workplace Culture with Aoife O’Brien

The Modern Manager