You Might Be In A Toxic Work Environment If You Notice These 8 Signs—Here's How To Deal With Them
Throughout most of my career, I considered myself lucky to have dodged toxic work environments. I knew they existed and were best avoided, but it took me years to recognise the signs of toxicity. Looking back, I realised that I had indeed worked in some toxic workplaces without realising it. At the time, I used to think I was the issue—I thought my work wasn't good or creative enough, or I wasn't ready for a promotion—rather than acknowledging the toxicity within those organisations.
Talking with friends, colleagues, and my family helped me see that I am not the only one in this situation: Many people in my circle had encountered toxicity in their workplaces, but like me, they hadn't always been able to identify it from the beginning.
So first thing first, how do you spot a toxic work environment?
#1 Cutthroat working conditions & bullying
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In a competitive workplace, it's like being in a constant race where everyone is trying to outdo each other. People might resort to deceptive moves, like sabotaging colleagues or spreading rumours, just to get ahead. It creates a tense atmosphere where working together is difficult and trust is hard to come by.
Another behaviour to be careful of in this situation is stonewalling. One of my friends experienced stonewalling from her ex-superior frequently. She would greet him in the office or try to interact, but he would simply ignore her. She was left wondering what she had done wrong, causing a great deal of stress.
#2 High turnover and disengaged employees
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In a toxic work environment, you may notice that employees look demotivated, lack enthusiasm or interest in their tasks. This disconnection often results in high turnover rates, with employees leaving the company all the time. This high turnover can mess up the workflow and make the team feel unstable. And when morale is low, it's hard to get things done and keep everyone happy.
#3 Work boundaries are non-existent
Toxic cultures often promote a lack of healthy boundaries, urging employees to prioritise work above all else. Management may push themselves to the point of burnout and exhaustion, expecting the same from their teams. This could involve expecting employees to work late hours, respond to work-related messages over the weekend, or be available at all times.
#4 Micromangement
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I believe everyone is familiar with this term. This is where bosses get overly involved in their employees' tasks, closely monitoring every move and giving too much feedback. This lack of trust can lead to frustration and demotivation among staff, who feel stifled and unable to make decisions. It also increases stress and anxiety levels, as employees constantly worry about meeting unrealistic expectations. Ultimately, this can lead to burnout and high turnover rates as workers seek environments where they feel more trusted and empowered.
#5 Unrealistic workloads
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Is your employer setting unrealistic KPIs and workloads? It's a common issue in toxic workplaces. People often find themselves overwhelmed with impossible deadlines and an excessive workload, leading to stress and a lack of work-life balance. This situation can quickly become unbearable, leaving employees highly stressed and contemplating quitting.
#6 No room or support for employee growth
Employees will often find themselves lacking support for their professional development and growth, leaving them feeling clueless and helpless. This could manifest as a lack of training opportunities, mentorship, or feedback from managers. Without proper support, employees may feel stagnant in their roles and unable to advance their careers.
#7 Discrimination or harassment
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I've experienced this firsthand with a previous employer who would constantly berate me and doubt my work skills. When I finally decided to put an end to it and handed in my resignation letter, he berated me again, accusing me of being ungrateful. Unfortunately, this kind of behaviour is all too common in toxic work environments. It can take a serious toll on your mental health and well-being, leaving you feeling undervalued and demoralised.
#8 Mistakes are not tolerated
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In an environment where mistakes aren't accepted, there's immense pressure to be perfect. Errors aren't seen as opportunities to learn; instead, they're met with harsh criticism. This blame-heavy culture pushes employees to focus on protecting themselves rather than collaborating, often leading to behaviours like hiding information or blaming others to avoid consequences.
How to cope in a toxic work environment
#1 Be nice to everyone (even toxic co-workers)
Instead of lowering yourself to their level, kill them with kindness. Find ways to assist and add value to others, even to those who are toxic. Though it may seem strange to help someone who doesn't treat you well, it can lead to positive outcomes. Eventually, others will notice your contributions and show you respect. While they may still behave poorly towards others, their attitude towards you might change, improving your work environment. Embrace the motto, "treat others how you would like to be treated," even in tough situations. And if they still don't change,
#2 Speak up
When you've consistently treated them with kindness, but they continue to treat you poorly or even worse, it's important to address the issue. Speaking up for yourself is important, but it's best done calmly. We understand it can be triggering and you might feel heated in the moment, but losing your cool in front of everyone can backfire, especially if your other colleagues don't know the full story. Reacting emotionally can escalate things, giving toxic colleagues more reason to target you, especially in front of management. Set up a meeting with them to talk things out, understand from both your and their points of view. If you're comfortable, involve your superior as well so they know what's going on.
#3 Create an after-work routine to destress
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After a hectic day at work, it's important to unwind and shake off the stress and negativity. One way to do this is by setting up a relaxing routine for after work. This could mean doing things like taking a stroll, trying out meditation or mindfulness exercises, catching up to movies or tv shows on Netflix, or simply spending time with friends and family. You can even pamper yourself by getting fresh manicures, or even going to spas. The goal is to focus on activities that help you decompress and recharge, leaving the day's worries behind.
#4 Don't take it personally
Facing constant targeting at work can be tough. Some people enjoy getting reactions and may provoke you intentionally. The best way to handle this is to stay calm and look at things positively. Respond only when needed and concentrate on your tasks. You can't control others' behaviour, but you can control how you react. As the saying goes, "If you have haters, it means you are doing something right."
#5 Setting boundaries
Perhaps your managers are the issue, constantly setting unreachable targets, shifting them throughout the day, or expecting you to put in extra hours. To address this, arrange a meeting with them to discuss the challenges you're facing. Differentiate between incompetence and unrealistic expectations, providing clear examples of why meeting deadlines is difficult. Express gratitude for the opportunities while focusing on aligning expectations and agreeing on next steps. Afterward, summarise the discussion points in a detailed email to ensure accountability.
#6 Consider your options
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When faced with a toxic workplace, you've got two main choices: stick around and deal with the toxicity or move on. Sticking it out might be necessary if you're in a tight spot financially or if your job has some unique perks. But if the toxicity is too much to handle and it's holding you back, leaving could be the best move for your well-being and career growth. It's not an easy decision, but putting your happiness and future first is key.
#7 Search for a better workplace
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Take some time to think about your next steps. If you decide that leaving is the right move for you, start getting ready to move on. Consider therapy if you need support, use any saved time off, or ask for extra leave if necessary. Taking a break or going on vacation can also help recharge your batteries. Remember, staying in a toxic workplace is a choice, and you don't have to stick around if it's not healthy for you. Use your free time to update your resume and reach out to recruiters. And when you interview, keep things professional to make a good impression on potential employers.
If you're not sure whether to leave, jot down the good and bad of staying. If the downsides outweigh the ups, it's time to find a job that values your mental health. Stay positive—better things are ahead of you!
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