Harsh routine in workplace set up (6)
I believe the answer is:
brutal
'harsh' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'routine in workplace set up' is the wordplay.
'routine' becomes 'rut' (being stuck in a rut is being stuck in a routine).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'workplace' becomes 'lab' (lab is a kind of workplace).
'set up' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'lab' written backwards gives 'bal'.
'rut' inserted into 'bal' is 'BRUTAL'.
(Other definitions for brutal that I've seen before include "Savage and cruel" , "Savagely violent" , "Callous" , "Very cruel, merciless" , "Senselessly cruel" .)