Seven Signs You’re Working in a Toxic Workplace (And What to Do Next)

Read this article to know if you’re working in a toxic workplace. The 2nd point is a big red flag.

When you start your career and it is probably your first job, you may find it hard to recognize signs of a toxic workplace. During my first job, I couldn’t figure out what exactly was troubling me. I was taking this unknown stress back home and ruining my personal life as well.

It was a difficult phase of my career. As it was my first job, I spent a lot of time there trying to come to terms with the situation. But when I eventually discovered that this could cause serious damage to both my career prospects and personal life, I left the company for good.

Many a time, employees, especially those who have just started their career, cannot read the signs of a toxic workplace. Based on my experience, I have prepared a list of 7 signs that will tell you that you are working in a toxic workplace.

Without further ado, let’s dive in:

Proven Signs of Toxic Workplace

1- Bad Leadership

This is one of the most visible toxic signs. Some bosses feel that they have the power to do anything with the people working under them. They can scream at them, abuse them, call them names, or bully them unnecessarily. This uncalled behavior can make the staff feel inferior.

My boss was no different. He used to micromanage us, never take our decisions seriously, disrespect us, and blame us for everything that went wrong. I didn’t want to come to work anymore because of my boss. This was one of the biggest reasons why I decided to leave that toxic environment.

2- No Reward for Excellence

There are a few things that can bring your confidence down as dramatically as seeing one of your colleagues underperforming and still getting rewarded. This could drive the real performers crazy. I know exactly how it feels.

When you perform beyond expectations, you start expecting something in return, which is how it is supposed to be. But when you see people who don’t even do their routine work well and are still lauded for the efforts they never put in just because they are someone’s favorites, you are bound to feel demotivated and drained. I waited for a few months for things to change but unfortunately, they didn’t.

3- Lack of Proper Communication

Communication holds the key to success in every business setting. But when you are working in a toxic environment, communication can either go missing or turn confusing and improper. Some managers are not good enough communicators. So you are likely to face communication issues when you are working with such managers or colleagues.

There won’t be any precise details shared for any project. You would get a different message and your team member will be told something else. And the worst part, you wouldn’t be asked for your inputs or views. The last bit feels more harsh and uninspiring than anything else. When your opinion doesn’t matter, you should see it as a red flag.

4- Performers are Held Back

I could relate to this. When I joined my first organization, I was enthusiastic about starting my career in a field that I am passionate about. I gave my best – I worked hard and completed my daily work targets daily. And then something that one of my team members asked me caught me cold. He asked me to stop working hard as it made him look bad.

If you are being asked to stop performing by people who don’t want to work hard themselves, you should realize that continuing to work there or not taking this issue to HR could prove detrimental for your career ladder.

5- Formation of Small Groups

Some workplaces could feel very casual and informal. Those close-knit groups that keep everything to themselves. People in those groups have lunch together. Go out for a walk together. Share jokes within the groups and laugh out loudly – teasing others who aren’t a part of their groups.

And even though we are all professionals, life outside that group could feel mundane and isolated. The formation of small groups inside the workplace hampers the productivity of both those who are a part of these groups and those who have nothing to do with them.

6- Lifeless Workplaces

This is exactly the opposite of what we discussed in the last point. In some workplaces, the energy seems alarmingly low. There are no friends. Nobody talks to each other or shares a joke. All you can see is people with their heads directed towards their workstation as if they are being forced into doing so. Or you can see a few frowns as well.

Now for a workplace to not be toxic, its leaders need to find the right balance. It can’t be all pale. And it shouldn’t feel like a noisy bar either. Workplaces that don’t have any energy or life in them often fail to deliver results.

7- Work-life balance Is Missing

A toxic workplace doesn’t allow its people to achieve work-life balance. You are expected to be available round the clock. And you anyway spend more than half your day at work and in commuting. By the time you reach home, you are too exhausted to even have your dinner let alone spending time with your family. You are not even spared on weekends.

No work-life balance means you are compromising on your health. It also means that you are not leaving yourself enough time to recharge. And finally, you aren’t giving time to people who most deserve it – your family and friends. Don’t let your toxic workplace create a distance between you and the most important people in your life.

Your Next Step if You’re Trapped in a Toxic Workplace

Dealing with a toxic workplace can often be too overwhelming for a lot of people. The notion of having to go back another day to that workplace, working with that narcissistic boss, or trying hard to be at ease in an environment that is anything but comfortable. That’s too much work put in for nothing.

Here are some tips for dealing with a toxic workplace:

• Try to practice psychological detachment from unpleasant workplace-related thoughts
• Indulge in relaxing activities like meditation, yoga, taking a walk, etc.
• Look for the humor in everyday situations
• Take breaks now and then to recharge yourself
• Make a promise to yourself to stay positive

If you think that things aren’t going to change or get any better, you should quit at the first opportunity you get. Till you don’t get the job, try to keep your spirit high.

Conclusion

A toxic workplace can wear you down before you know it. It is very important to pay attention to the signs and respond to them as soon as possible. If you continue working in a toxic environment for a long, it will take a toll on your professional and personal life. Also, it won’t let you lead a healthy lifestyle.

Not sure if your colleague is toxic? Read here the signs of a toxic coworker.

Additional Resources:

• Signs of Promotion at Work (That You Must Know)