/ˈkʌltʃər dɛt/
Definition
The accumulated moral and emotional interest a company pays for every shortcut it takes on empathy, communication, or trust. Usually invisible until the first mass resignation or Glassdoor review.
Common Manifestations
- Celebrating “resilience” while quietly normalizing burnout.
- Company values that exist only as wall art.
- Managers promoting “psychological safety” immediately before layoffs.
- Employees using paid time off to recover from work.
Usage Example
“Our retention metrics look fine, but the Culture Debt is accruing faster than AWS costs.”
HR Guidance
Culture Debt can’t be refactored away. Repayment requires honesty, listening, and the occasional apology. If symptoms persist, rebrand as a “Transformation Initiative.”