Building a positive workplace culture has been a hot topic for businesses for over a decade, with 92% of candidates considering it a vital factor in accepting a job*.
A good company culture is proven to drive business success, lead to higher retention, and improve employee well-being. However, it is often, and easily, overlooked or forgotten.
In our recent ‘
Things to know in November’ post, we touched on a growing concern in UK workplaces; the rise of so-called ‘culture rot’.
But what exactly does culture rot mean, and why is it on the rise in some workplaces? In this blog, we explore what culture rot looks like, why it may be increasing, and most importantly, practical steps you can take to protect and strengthen your workplace culture.
What is culture rot?
The term culture rot refers to a decline of a company’s core values and culture, leading to a toxic or dysfunctional environment. It can occur gradually over-time and often shows as disengagement, negativity, poor communication, or a lack of collaboration, affecting various parts of the business.
The majority of research regarding culture rot has focused on the office environment, but it’s important to note that it can affect many different industries; from hospitality to industrial. Ultimately it comes down to everyday pressures and company culture left unattended.
Why culture rot may be increasing?
Rather than a single cause, culture rot comes from a mix of pressures that are becoming more common in workplaces of all kinds; often snowballing and accelerating the overall decline.
Disconnect between employees and company values
Only 14% of UK professionals feel aligned with their company’s core values**. This widening gap means employees struggle to see meaning in their work, which can weaken trust and loyalty over time.
Breakdown in communication
Poor or inconsistent communication is a top indicator of culture rot; particularly in hybrid or remote settings, where there are fewer informal interactions and unclear expectations.
Economic uncertainty and cost-cutting
Research shows that 81% of UK employers believe cost-cutting has damaged workplace culture**. When budgets tighten, investment in people often suffers, leading to disengagement.
How to avoid and reverse culture rot
The good news is that culture rot can be prevented and reversed with deliberate action. Employers can strengthen culture by focusing on practical, everyday behaviours.
Clear and consistent communication. Be transparent, share updates regularly, set clear expectations, and ensure managers are visible and approachable.
Recognise and reward. 41% of UK professionals consider limited incentives or rewards to be a sign of culture rot**. Thank-yous, shout-outs, or team celebrations can go a long way to reinforce positive behaviours.
Encourage employee voice. Create safe channels for feedback, such as surveys, suggestion boxes, or open forums. Employees are more engaged when they feel heard.
Lead by example. Leaders who embody a company’s core values, reinforce these values with their employees. This can be as simple as having regular catch ups to strengthen good communication.
Act quickly. Address issues early as culture rot can spread silently. Check for gaps in communication, or any rising disengagement and negativity among staff, and speak to people honestly and sympathetically.
Culture rot is a warning sign, not a permanent state. By recognising the risks early and taking practical steps to strengthen communication, trust, and wellbeing, companies across every sector can rebuild a culture that engages and retains their people.
A strong workplace culture doesn’t just boost morale; it drives performance, loyalty, and long-term success. At Berry Recruitment, we live by example, with our own employee well-being programmes and benefits to keep our consultants at their very best.
