Workplace culture:10 signs your team are just tolerating each other

A workplace can have the best salaries, the nicest office space, and even top clients, but if the workplace culture doesn’t preach unity, success will always be limited. Many Nigerian businesses struggle with teams that only work together because they have to, not because they want to.

This silent problem affects productivity, creativity, and long-term staff loyalty. To fix it, you must first be able to identify the signs that your team are just tolerating each other.

Signs your team are just tolerating each other due to workplace culture.

1. Meetings lack energy and participation

If most employees stay quiet in meetings while only one or two voices dominate, it shows disengagement. A strong workplace culture is reflected in active discussions, questions, and collaboration. Silence often means employees do not feel safe or motivated to contribute.

2. Conversations are strictly about work

When colleagues only interact to give or receive instructions like “send this,” “sign here,” or “finish that,” it shows weak bonds. In a good workplace culture, casual interactions and laughter are part of a healthy environment. If this is missing, it means distance.

3. Collaboration feels like they are being forced

Group projects should encourage teamwork. But if staff members look stressed when asked to work together, it suggests they prefer working alone. Forced collaboration reduces creativity and slows down progress.

4. Cliques are more visible

Small groups forming in the office can become harmful when they exclude others. Cliques often lead to division and gossip, making some employees feel left out. Instead of unity, the team becomes a collection of mini-groups.

5. Gossip replaces open communication

When people avoid direct conversations and prefer whispering or back-channel discussions, trust is already broken. Gossip damages workplace culture and creates unnecessary conflict.

6. Achievements go unnoticed

Recognition matters. If no one claps for a win, acknowledges hard work, or celebrates milestones, employees begin to feel invisible. Nigerian teams that fail to celebrate success risk creating a culture of indifference.

7. High tension during conflict

Every workplace will have disagreements, but how they are handled shows the strength of the culture. If small issues quickly escalate into arguments, or if conflicts are avoided entirely, it means the team does not have healthy ways of resolving problems.

8. Employees avoid social interaction

Lunch breaks and after-work hangouts reveal a lot about team spirit. If everyone rushes home immediately after work or prefers eating alone, it may mean they are not interested in connecting with colleagues outside of tasks.

9. Lack of trust in colleagues

When employees second-guess one another, avoid delegating, or double-check every detail, it shows there is little trust. A team that do not trust each other will struggle to achieve big goals.

10. Staff engagement Is low

When employees stop volunteering ideas, avoid extra responsibilities, or seem unbothered about the company’s goals, it is a clear warning. Low engagement is often the final stage before resignations begin.

What poor workplace culture in Nigeria costs businesses

Drop in productivity

Disconnected teams lack energy. Deadlines are missed, errors increase, and tasks take longer. This slow pace directly affects company performance.

Higher employee turnover

Many Nigerian professionals leave jobs not because of pay but because of toxic or uninspiring environments. Replacing and retraining staff repeatedly is costly for businesses.

Decline in innovation

Most fresh ideas come from open conversations. When colleagues avoid each other, brainstorming stops, and innovation suffers.

Negative customer experience

Customers often notice when staff are not aligned. Miscommunication within the team usually spills over into poor customer service, leading to complaints and reduced loyalty.

What a healthy workplace culture should look like

An healthy workplace culture should have an open and honest communication

Employees should feel safe to share opinions without fear of being judged. Regular team check-ins, one-on-one sessions, and open forums create trust and transparency.

Support and collaboration

In a healthy culture, colleagues support each other instead of competing unnecessarily. Team members readily share knowledge and assist one another, especially when deadlines are tight.

Healthy workplace culture should recognize efforts and celebrate them

A culture that acknowledges both small and big wins creates excitement. From clapping for a job well done to celebrating birthdays or team targets, recognition strengthens morale.

Inclusivity and belonging

Healthy workplace culture ensures that no one feels left out. Whether it’s team activities, lunch breaks, or brainstorming sessions, everyone should feel included and valued.

Work-Life balance

A good culture respects personal boundaries. Flexible schedules, wellness activities, and realistic workloads help staff remain motivated and less stressed.

Shared purpose

Healthy teams don’t just work for a paycheck; they understand the bigger picture. When employees align with company goals and feel they are part of something meaningful, culture thrives.

How to build stronger workplace culture in Nigeria

Organise team retreats and offsite activities

Time outside the office helps colleagues interact freely. Retreats, away days, or even casual hangouts reduce pressure and encourage bonding.

Build workplace culture by creating a more open communication

Introduce regular check-ins where staff can share challenges or suggestions. Anonymous surveys also give employees a safe way to express honest feedback.

Celebrate individual and team wins

Nigerian workplaces that celebrate staff efforts see higher engagement. Public acknowledgment, award systems, or simple shout-outs in meetings make employees feel appreciated.

Reduce cliques with inclusive activities

Plan activities that require collaboration across different departments. Group games, team challenges, or rotational project teams can break down barriers.

Use corporate gifting to show appreciation

Gifts during festive seasons, birthdays, or after major projects help staff feel valued. In Nigeria, where gift culture is strong, this simple gesture builds loyalty.

Improve workplace culture by introducing wellness and fun at work

Work should not be all seriousness.Organizee wellness days, fitness challenges, or casual Fridays to reduce stress and keep morale high.

Why workplace culture matters.

Workplace culture in Nigeria shapes how teams function and how businesses perform. When colleagues are only tolerating each other, the business suffers quietly but deeply.

The signs are clear: silent meetings, transactional communication, cliques, and lack of recognition. But the solutions are also available: open communication, celebrations, inclusivity, and wellness.

Investing in a healthy workplace culture doesn’t just improve productivity; it creates an environment where employees are proud to belong and motivated to give their best every day.