The Hidden Cost of Toxic Striving in the Workplace

Clinical psychologist Paula Freedman has written an interesting book that offers insights and support for moving beyond toxic striving. This condition affects many leaders and, therefore, impacts company culture.

So what is toxic striving and do you recognise any of these traits?

Toxic striving is a relentless and inflexible pursuit of perfection, societal ideals, and external validation—often at the expense of personal well-being. Unlike healthy ambition, which is fueled by passion and a desire for growth, toxic striving is driven by fear, insecurity, and the need for external approval. It impacts not only individual employees but also the overall workplace culture.

Key Characteristics of Toxic Striving

1. Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards and feeling shame or anxiety over failure.
2. Dependency on Validation: Self-worth tied to achievements and external approval.
3. Fear of Failure: Obsessive drive to avoid failure, often leading to burnout and chronic stress.
4. Neglect of Well-Being: Overworking at the expense of physical and mental health.
5. Inflexibility: Rigid, all-or-nothing thinking that prevents adaptability.
6. Loss of Joy: Neglecting hobbies, relationships, and other meaningful activities.
7. Chronic Dissatisfaction: A constant focus on “what’s next” instead of celebrating progress.

The Impact on Workplaces

Toxic striving can result in burnout, reduced productivity, and poor employee morale. Workers caught in this cycle may appear high-performing on the surface but suffer internally, which can lead to high turnover rates, strained team dynamics, and a lack of creativity in the workplace.

How Leaders Can Address Toxic Striving

1. Promote Balance: Encourage employees to set boundaries, take breaks, and prioritise self-care.
2. Model Healthy Ambition: Cultivate a culture where progress is celebrated, and perfection isn’t the standard.
3. Provide Mental Health Support: Offer access to counselling or employee assistance programmes.
4. Encourage Realistic Goal-Setting: Help teams set achievable objectives that align with individual strengths and company values.
5. Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel safe discussing challenges without fear of judgment.

By understanding and addressing toxic striving, leaders can help foster a healthier, more balanced workplace culture—where ambition is driven by passion and growth, not fear or insecurity.