Navigating Workplace Toxicity: Jocelyn Tan Of Sisu VR On Strategies for a Healthier Work Environment
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being: A workplace that acknowledges the importance of mental health creates an environment where employees can thrive. This reduces absenteeism, improves morale, and enhances overall productivity. Take time to manage mental health — practice mindfulness and engage in activities that help recharge outside of work.
Toxic work environments can have a significant impact on employees’ mental health, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. From poor communication and office politics to bullying and burnout, toxicity in the workplace can manifest in many forms. What are the most effective strategies to address and overcome these challenges? How can organizations and employees work together to create healthier, more supportive work environments? In this interview series, we are talking with with leaders, HR professionals, organizational psychologists, business leaders, and experts about “Navigating Workplace Toxicity: Strategies for a Healthier Work Environment.” As a part of this series I had the pleasure of interviewing Jocelyn Tan.
Jocelyn Tan is the CEO and Founder of Sisu VR Inc., an award-winning, minority and woman-owned company that offers world-class workplace HR and Safety training using AI and virtual reality (VR). Sisu VR has been featured in domestic and international press and has acquired multiple patents for its immersive learning framework. Connect with Jocelyn and her team at [email protected] and follow her work on LinkedIn!.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
I founded Sisu VR after experiencing severe workplace harassment and realizing compliance training was not very memorable or engaging. After interviewing countless professionals who have also experienced misconduct and researching virtual reality’s (VR) compelling use case for training and education, I decided to develop a product that focused on highly immersive and engaging learning experiences. Specifically, Sisu VR offers world-class HR and Active Shooter Response training using VR. The HR training includes harassment, discrimination, ethics, and bullying prevention topics that meet U.S. federal and state regulations for certified compliance training. The Active Shooter Response training teaches users how to Run-Hide-Fight during an active shooting and is based on U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FBI guidelines.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Becoming an entrepreneur! I did not expect to go into this field, but being a founder has given me the opportunity to be an “expert” in different disciplines (e.g., sales, marketing, finance, legal, product development). It has ultimately been an immensely rewarding experience!
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
[I can’t recall a funny mistake]
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
I highly recommend Julia Boorstin’s “When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn from Them.” Her book explores the stories of women leaders who have succeeded in various fields, emphasizing leadership strategies, resilience, and innovation. The work resonated with me greatly because she gives insight into how we are not alone in our struggles — she discusses how women have overcome challenges in traditionally male-dominated industries and offers lessons in effective leadership.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill’s quote is one of my favorites because it reminds me that both success and failure are temporary–the real achievement is having the resilience to keep moving forward. In my own experience, this idea was particularly relevant during a period where there were significant changes–we just lost a deal and experienced some technical setbacks; however, the next week, Sisu VR was featured in the press! This quote reminds me that life’s trajectory is never fixed.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s start with a simple definition so that all of us are on the same page. What does workplace toxicity mean?
Workplace toxicity is when a workplace is permeated with negative behaviors, attitudes, or practices. This can be manifested by lack of transparency (e.g., withholding information, or ineffective communication) to employee micromanagement (e.g., not trusting employees in making decisions) to bullying & harassment (e.g., verbal abuse, intimidation, discrimination) to lack of recognition & growth opportunities (e.g., when hard work goes unrecognized, employees may feel undervalued). Workplace toxicity not only impacts individuals’ mental and physical health but also affects organizational performance. High turnover rates, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and damage to the company’s reputation are common consequences.
Can you describe a time when you personally encountered or helped resolve workplace toxicity? What were the key signs that the environment was toxic?
A toxic workplace fosters negative emotions, disrupts collaboration, and harms relationships, often leading to a hostile environment. I encountered workplace toxicity when I noticed my colleagues not maintaining respectful dialogue with me and each other. For example, when someone had an opinion, others would immediately turn it down or give negative feedback. This inevitably resulted in tension between colleagues which disrupted productivity and teamwork.
What are some of the most common causes of toxic work environments, and how can leaders recognize these issues before they become pervasive?
Toxic work environments often stem from organizational culture, leadership styles, and communication breakdowns. Leaders can prevent and address toxicity by cultivating open communication, encouraging feedback on their own performance, and establishing a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Leaders should also regularly evaluate workloads, encourage work-life balance, and implement policies that promote well-being. Organizations should train employees on respectful workplace behaviors, including guidelines on clear reporting channels that encourage employees to speak up. Leaders should make recognition a regular practice and communicate pathways for career advancement. Being proactive in establishing a positive culture is vital in preventing toxicity.
What steps can employees take to address workplace toxicity if they feel uncomfortable or unsupported by leadership?
If employees feel unsupported, they should firstly not invalidate their feelings. They should document and report any toxic behaviors. Dates, times, parties involved, descriptions of what occurred, and relevant emails or documents should be saved and shared with their manager or HR. When reporting, emphasize specific behaviors, and inquire about how management will address and follow-up on the issue. When dealing with colleagues, it is also okay so set boundaries and say no. If certain colleagues are acting inappropriately, communicate respectfully but assertively about limits or discomfort. For example, you can say, “I feel uncomfortable when discussions take this tone — let’s keep it constructive.” Prioritizing self-care practices and seeking out allies or mentors who can provide advice on navigating the environment can help offset discomfort. These steps can help to empower employees, but if efforts are unsuccessful, then knowing when to move on is crucial.
What role does mental health play in navigating workplace toxicity, and how can both employees and organizations prioritize mental wellness?
Feeling both physically and psychologically safe in the workplace is essential in promoting mental health. When mental wellness is prioritized by both employees and organizations, it builds resilience and can mitigate the harmful effects of workplace toxicity. A commitment to mental health makes workplaces healthier, reduces turnover, and fosters more productive and engaged teams.
For employees, awareness is the first step in prioritizing mental health issues. Symptoms like constant fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, and physical signs (e.g., headaches) often indicate burnout or stress. Regular self-check-ins, journaling, or mindfulness practices can help manage stress. Recognizing symptoms early enables proactive responses before they worsen. Furthermore, engage with colleagues who uplift; having a supportive network reinforces mental strength and helps prevent feelings of isolation.
For organizations, encourage open dialogue about mental health by providing safe communication channels, such as confidential feedback systems. Implement employee assistance programs and encourage flexible work options.. Promote a culture where employees feel comfortable using vacation time and taking breaks without guilt. Promote these resources regularly to ensure employees are aware of available resources. Additionally, provide manager training on recognizing toxic behaviors and mental health struggles. Equip managers to respond empathetically when employees need support. Develop a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, and ensure that all employees understand the reporting process.
Can you share some strategies or practices that individuals and teams can implement to create a healthier and more productive work environment? Please share your “5 Strategies For A Healthier Work Environment”?
1. Encourage Open Communication and Feedback: Clear, honest communication is the foundation of trust and collaboration. When employees feel heard and valued, it leads to better understanding and reduces misunderstandings. Cultivate an environment where feedback is welcomed and viewed as a tool for growth. Leaders should implement regular check-ins and “open door” policies where everyone can voice their concerns and suggestions.
2. Promote Work-Life Balance and Flexibility: A healthy work-life balance reduces burnout and stress, leading to higher productivity and employee satisfaction. Set boundaries for work hours, prioritize personal time, and ensure to take breaks during the day to recharge. Advocate for flexible working arrangements like remote work, flexible hours, or mental health days. Lead by example — when team members see leaders prioritizing balance, they are more likely to follow suit.
3. Promote Collaboration and Team Building: Collaboration encourages innovation, problem-solving, and stronger relationships. When people work together toward a common goal, they feel more connected and supported. Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, offer help when needed, and share knowledge or resources. Plan regular team-building activities, such as brainstorming sessions, virtual coffee breaks, and group lunches.
4. Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being: A workplace that acknowledges the importance of mental health creates an environment where employees can thrive. This reduces absenteeism, improves morale, and enhances overall productivity. Take time to manage mental health — practice mindfulness and engage in activities that help recharge outside of work.
5. Foster a Culture of Recognition and Appreciation: Recognizing efforts boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior. Offer compliments and recognition to colleagues for their achievements. Establish regular practices for celebrating milestones, whether it’s through weekly shout-outs, a team awards system, or recognition programs. Ensure recognition is specific and timely.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Virtual reality (VR) training has been shown to increase learning confidence by up to 275% and faster learning by 4X, but many organizations are still intimidated to leverage the technology. If I could inspire a movement to bring the most to the greatest number of people, it would be focused on bringing VR training to all schools and businesses. The idea behind this movement would be to combat toxic workplaces as well as foster effective communication and empathy-driven behaviors through more memorable and immersive learning experiences. When professionals are able to experience the power of VR training, it can trigger ripple effects that reshape industries, cultures, and even governmental priorities.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would love to have a meal with Julia Boostin, a respected American journalist, author, and media expert widely recognized for her work as a senior correspondent at CNBC. Boorstin is well-regarded for her insights into major tech companies, digital innovation, and trends affecting the media industry. Julia has faced a lot of adversity to get to where she is now, and I would love to share my story with her (and learn more about hers!) whilst strategizing how to better workplaces around the world.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Contact Sisu VR at [email protected]
Follow Sisu VR on Linkedin at www.linkedin/company/sisuvr and Medium https://sisuvr.medium.com/
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Navigating Workplace Toxicity: Jocelyn Tan Of Sisu VR On Strategies for a Healthier Work… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.