Workplace is where many of us spend the largest portion of our lives, and the ambience there has the ability to affect how we feel intellectually, emotionally, as well as physically. A conducive and positive workplace can lead to higher productivity, better morale, and better job satisfaction. But a toxic work environment can suck the life out of you, raise levels of stress, and cause mental illness such as depression and anxiety. So how do you know if your work environment is toxic? These are seven signs of a toxic workplace, and how to address it.
If you’re constantly in the dark about key decisions or aren’t even clear about what’s expected of you, that’s a big red flag. Communication can be vague, unpredictable, or simply non-existent in a toxic work environment. Managers could refuse to give you the full picture or communicate mixed messages that leave you confused, stressed, and unsure of where you’re at.
It’s really important to have an open dialogue with your manager or team. You could say, “I could use a little more information about expectations and timelines,” or propose regular check-ins to make sure everyone’s on the same page. Having clear boundaries about when you are and aren’t available for communication can also ease stress.
If you’re overwhelmed by your workload most of the time or pushed to deliver unrealistic deadlines, you’re probably experiencing a toxic culture. Unrealistic expectations create anxiety and burnout, and ultimately even physical harm. Burnout has been directly connected to major health issues, such as heart attacks and strokes, so it’s essential that you take action before it costs you.
Start by having a candid conversation with your manager. Clarify how long activities really take and how to organize tasks in order of importance. If deadlines are unrealistic, negotiating is acceptable. If stress feels unbearable, do not be afraid to seek help from mental health professionals to manage.
If you find that workers are constantly quitting, then perhaps there is something amiss. People usually leave because they don’t feel appreciated or valued. Those who remain usually feel demotivated or disengaged. A high turn-over rate is often caused by bad management, a poisonous culture, or appreciation deficiency.
If you’re seeing high turnover or noticing low morale, try to understand what’s driving it. Is it poor leadership or an unhealthy culture? If you’re in a position to do so, bring these concerns to HR. Suggest initiatives like recognition programs or wellness activities to help boost morale.
Micromanagement is a red flag of huge proportions. Having managers constantly observing what you are doing can leave you feeling trusted or incompetent, and that simply raises stress levels. This deprivation of autonomy causes frustration, and eventually, causes you to resent going to work.
If you’re being micromanaged, it’s important to talk it out with your manager. Make them understand that you perform better when you are given more autonomy to manage your tasks. You may suggest keeping them posted on your work from time to time, which can establish trust and curb the necessity of constant monitoring.
When your work demands that you’re available 24/7, it’s an indication of a toxic culture. If you’re checking emails at midnight or working on the weekends, it indicates that boundaries are not being respected. If this pressure keeps mounting over time, it can contribute to burnout and stress.
Make sure you set clear boundaries with your team and managers. Let them know when you’re available and stick to it. It’s also helpful to encourage a culture of respect for personal time. If you’re feeling guilty about taking time off, remind yourself that you deserve to recharge, just like anyone else.
If you’re working hard but nobody seems to notice, or if advancement is not an option, it’s a toxic workplace. When workers feel undervalued and trapped in their position, frustration and disengagement usually ensue.
Take the reins on your own career by meeting regularly with your manager to discuss performance and goals. Ask for positive feedback and express a desire to build possibilities like training, mentoring, or advancement. When work is not rewarded, maybe it’s time to look for a company that values your efforts.
In a toxic workplace, mental health is often ignored or stigmatized. If workers are not encouraged to take mental health days, or if there is no support mechanism for workers dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, it can worsen the situation and affect well-being in a negative way. The absence of empathy and provision for mental health can leave workers isolated and unsupported.
Ask the company to make mental health a priority by recommending initiatives such as counselling sessions, stress-reduction workshops, or mental health days. If you’re finding it difficult, reach out to HR or an employee assistance program (EAP) for assistance. Developing an open culture of talking about mental health can break the stigma and promote a more caring work culture.
Identifying the signs of a toxic workplace is the initial step in safeguarding your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Although changing a toxic setting may not always be simple on one’s own, addressing issues head-on and voicing concerns can significantly impact the situation. If it does not improve after one act, then one may need to consider whether continuing in that setting is worth enduring long-term unhappiness and unwellness. Most importantly, never ever forget that your health and wellness always come first.
