In The Last of Us, humanity is brought to its knees by a mutated Cordyceps fungus—an infection that hijacks its host and spreads rapidly, leaving behind devastation and chaos. It starts small. Invisible. But once it takes hold, it’s nearly impossible to stop.
While your office likely isn’t facing a zombie outbreak (thankfully), many workplaces are fighting their own kind of infection: toxic culture. And just like Cordyceps, it spreads fast, quietly, and often goes unnoticed until it’s done real damage.
So what does the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us have to do with staffing and team dynamics? More than you’d think.
🦠 Infection Starts Small
“You can’t always see it—but you can feel it.”
Toxic workplace culture doesn’t usually start with big, obvious red flags. It starts with micro-behaviors that get overlooked.
- A manager talks over others in meetings.
- A star employee pushes boundaries, unchecked.
- Overworking is normalized and rewarded.
- Feedback loops are nonexistent.
Over time, these behaviors become part of the “way things are.” And without intentional leadership to intervene, they mutate into something far more destructive.
🧬 Toxic Culture Is Contagious
When one person starts to disengage, it doesn’t end there. Attitudes spread. Morale dips. The team dynamic shifts. Suddenly, people are gossiping more than collaborating, high performers are withdrawing, and trust is nonexistent.
Culture—good or bad—is contagious. And in stressful environments, the spread happens fast.
Just like in The Last of Us, the most dangerous threat isn’t always what’s out there—it’s what creeps in from within. A toxic workplace makes it harder to communicate, solve problems, and retain good people. The longer it’s left unchecked, the more damage it does.
💉 The Cure: Proactive Culture Management
Ellie may have been immune, but immunity in the workplace comes from something different: strong leadership, clear values, and a commitment to cultural accountability.
🛠️ Here’s how to stop the spread:
1. Identify the Source
Where is the breakdown happening? Is it due to leadership gaps, unclear expectations, or unchecked behavior? Naming the issue is the first step.
2. Set—and Enforce—Boundaries
Holding people accountable doesn’t mean micromanaging—it means making sure your values are more than just posters in the breakroom. Address toxic behavior immediately, and consistently.
3. Model the Culture You Want
What gets rewarded gets repeated. Leaders who show empathy, give credit, communicate clearly, and take responsibility set the tone for everyone else.
4. Create Safe Zones
In The Last of Us, survivors thrive in safe havens like Jackson—a place to rest, grow, and feel supported. Your team needs that too. Build trust, offer real feedback channels, and prioritize psychological safety.
5. Bring in Reinforcements
Sometimes culture shifts require outside help. Whether it’s leadership training, employee engagement programs, or the right staffing partner to help bring in team players who align with your values—get the support you need.
🧭 Survival Depends on Culture
“Culture isn’t a perk—it’s your team’s foundation.”
It impacts how you hire, retain, collaborate, and grow. Ignore it, and the whole thing crumbles.
The scariest thing about The Last of Us isn’t the infected—it’s how easily people can lose themselves when there’s no one holding the line.
In business, culture is what holds the line. It’s the invisible force that drives retention, innovation, productivity, and long-term success. Without it, your team becomes disconnected, your turnover rises, and your goals start to feel as distant as finding a vaccine in a zombie wasteland.
But with the right leadership, a clear mission, and a commitment to healthy team dynamics?
Your workplace becomes a stronghold—safe, collaborative, and built to thrive no matter what chaos the world throws your way.
👥 Build a Team That’s Immune to Toxic Culture
Tired of battling burnout, high turnover, and culture decay? Contact us to talk about a staffing strategy that does more than fill roles—it fortifies your team.
We’ll help you build a workplace where collaboration thrives, values matter, and nobody’s turning into a monster by Q4.
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About LGC
Since 2003 LGC has been building connections between businesses with staffing needs and job seekers looking for new opportunities. Our range of solutions includes temporary and permanent placements (and everything in between) for a variety of industries. With offices located nationwide, we can tap into a dynamic pool of talented professionals. We have a passion for creating partnerships that last and work hard every day to ensure both clients and candidates reach their employment goals.