Happier At Work

In this Listener Question episode of Happier at Work, Aoife O’Brien responds to a question many leaders wrestle with:How do you know when a workplace is toxic — and when it’s time to leave rather than trying to fix it?Following this week’s solo episode on how toxic workplaces are created, this conversation focuses on the personal decision leaders face when they’re inside one.This episode isn’t about resilience or coping strategies. It’s about judgement.Aoife explores why leaders often stay longer than others in unhealthy environments, the hidden cost of trying to “hold things together,” and how to tell the difference between a tough phase and a culture that’s unlikely to change.You’ll hear:Why toxicity shows up in patterns, not isolated momentsThe unique pressure leaders feel to fix dysfunctional systemsThree signals that staying may be costing more than it’s givingHow values erosion and shrinking influence show up over timeWhy leaving can be an act of clarity, not failureAoife also shares reflective question