Set the tone: How to establish a feedback culture at work

A constant stream of harsh or blunt criticism can make many employees feel uncomfortable. In giving any feedback, one should use ‘I’ messages instead of ‘you’ messages. Photo: dpa

Blunt comments are dished out in a constant stream, day in and day out. Results are harshly criticised. Colleagues are routinely humiliated in front of the whole team.

For many people, such a workplace culture is more stressful than it is motivating. But what helps, once a harsh tone has become established in a team or company?