6th March 2025
Employment can be a fickle thing.
Even if you love your boss or your work, happiness isn’t guaranteed. After all, if your professional goals don’t align with your personal ones, you can be placed in a tricky spot.
However, there’s still something even worse that is destroying employee experiences across the country… toxicity.
What is Toxicity in the Workplace?
Microaggressions, miscommunications, and gossiping are all small parts of a toxic workplace. They add together to form a negative work culture.
If you’re in a job that belittles or makes you feel unwelcome… you need (and deserve) a change.
The Red Flags of Toxic Workplaces
Some problems are more obvious than others. You might be feeling low and unmotivated without knowing why. Does one of these red flags resonate with you?
1). Poor Communication
Either you don’t receive any guidance, or you constantly have to chase up answers to your queries. A lack of communication is a huge signifier that your workplace doesn’t value you.
2). Absent Leadership
How often do you see managers working by your side? If you struggle to get in contact with them and they only make appearances on rare occasions, then proceed with caution.
When crises arise, you’ll be unable to receive critical support and could be blamed for what’s gone wrong.
3). Constant Conflict
You shouldn’t always be waiting for the next argument to happen. Tension between colleagues can lead to an uncomfortable and unsafe environment for all. Pretty soon, someone will get hurt.
4). Unachievable Workload or Goals
Jobs aren’t meant to be easy. But they shouldn’t be impossible, either. When you are given unfair assignments or held to expectations beyond your reach, then this is another signifier of toxic workplaces.
5). Non-Existent Work-Life Balance
Sometimes your burden isn’t released when you finish work for the day. Late nights of desperately finishing assignments or hurriedly responding to emails is not an environment where anyone can thrive. Don’t cancel plans for your employer.
6). High Employee Turnover
When your teammates have been leaving left, right, and centre, they’ve likely noticed issues that might not have reached you.
If you can, have an honest conversation with the people who are handing in their notice and see if they can make your decision clearer.
7). Ignored Feedback
Some employers like to proudly proclaim they have a channel for feedback, but, once you submit a form, the response is silent and non-existent. This isn’t always because they don’t care, but because they want to avoid difficult conversations.
8). Little to No Recognition
You should be thanked for your hard work, especially when you are going above and beyond your standard job expectations. Can you remember the last time you got thanked by a manager?
The Truth About Toxic Workplaces
Feeling stuck in an environment that drains you is a nightmare situation for anyone. It’s stressful, and not great for your physical or mental health.
Toxic workplaces can lead to:
If you are in this situation, be reassured that this isn’t the norm. There are other opportunities out there.
The best employers would prioritise your health and wellbeing and genuinely care about your success. We can help you find them.