dysfunctional workplace

[dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənəl ˈwɜrkpleɪs]
nounpl: dysfunctional workplaces
ambiente de trabalho disfuncional
1. A work environment characterized by poor communication, lack of trust, ineffective management, toxic relationships, or inability to achieve organizational goals
The dysfunctional workplace led to high employee turnover and decreased productivity.
O ambiente de trabalho disfuncional resultou em alta rotatividade de funcionários e diminuição da produtividade.
2. An organizational setting where interpersonal conflicts, unclear objectives, or inadequate resources prevent normal functioning
She left her job because the dysfunctional workplace was affecting her mental health.
Ela deixou seu emprego porque o ambiente disfuncional estava afetando sua saúde mental.
This term has become increasingly prevalent in both American and Brazilian professional discourse, particularly following discussions about mental health in the workplace and the rise of 'quiet quitting.' In Brazil, the concept has gained traction in discussions about 'assédio moral' (moral harassment) and workplace rights. Companies now actively market themselves as having positive workplace cultures to attract talent, making the contrast with dysfunctional workplaces more pronounced in recruitment.
NYC Slang
toxic workplace, hot mess of a workplace, dumpster fire workplace
Synonyms / Sinônimos
toxic workplaceunhealthy work environmentpoorly managed organizationchaotic workplaceproblematic work setting
Antonyms / Antônimos
healthy workplacefunctional work environmentwell-managed organizationsupportive workplace

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ambiente de trabalho disfuncional
Most common translation; used in professional contexts
Brazil - informal
local de trabalho tóxico
More colloquial alternative; increasingly popular in modern discourse
Portugal
ambiente laboral disfuncional
European Portuguese variant; less commonly used than 'tóxico'
Brazil - HR context
clima organizacional negativo
Technical term used in Human Resources and organizational psychology

Related Words

workplace cultureemployee engagementmanagement styleorganizational communicationworkplace conflict

Related Idioms & Phrases

a workplace where the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing
a sinking ship
complete chaos
a hornets' nest
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