10 Signs of a toxic workplace

 

Feeling exhausted, unappreciated, or constantly stressed at work? It might be more than just a tough week; you could be dealing with a toxic workplace, which can take its toll on both your career and well-being.

 

A toxic workplace is an environment where negative behaviours, poor leadership, and dysfunctional dynamics are the norm. This creates a harmful atmosphere for employees, often leading to decreased productivity and impacting both physical and mental health. It’s the type of place that makes people feel unsupported, stressed, and unappreciated.

 

Recognising the warning signs is the first step toward addressing the issue.

 

A toxic work environment isn’t always marked by obvious conflict. Often, the signs are more subtle, slowly eroding morale and motivation.

 

Here are ten common signs of a toxic workplace to watch out for

 

A key sign of a toxic workplace culture is poor communication, which can damage the entire organisation. Here’s how it often shows up.

 

While some workplace chat is natural, an environment powered by office gossip and blame-heavy narratives can quickly become negative. When rumours replace professional dialogue, it erodes trust and psychological safety. This type of hostile work environment can pit colleagues against one another, distracting from business goals and contributing to low morale.

 

Does your company have a revolving door? High employee turnover is a classic sign of bad company culture. When employees are constantly leaving, it suggests underlying problems that are not being fixed. This can increase the workload for the remaining team members and cause decreased productivity across the business. Many employees will see this as a red flag.

 

Does your job demand long hours and expect you to be available around the clock? A workplace that doesn't respect your personal time creates chronic stress. Unrealistic expectations and constant pressure to prioritise work over your personal life lead to burnout and negatively affect your physical health and emotional well-being. A healthy workplace culture should promote a better work-life balance.

 

Leaders who micromanage do not trust their team. They control every minor detail, second-guess decisions, and rarely let employees own their work.

 

Examples of micromanagement include:

 

This lack of autonomy can be incredibly stressful and demoralising, killing creativity and making employees feel incompetent. Different working styles are often seen as wrong, rather than simply different.

 

Favouritism is a clear sign of a toxic workplace culture. When rules, promotions, and benefits are applied inconsistently, it builds resentment and a sense of unfairness.

 

For example, if a manager consistently assigns high-profile projects to their close friends or a select group, regardless of others' qualifications, it fosters office politics. Employees feel that advancement is based on connections, not merit, eroding trust and morale.

 

In a healthy environment, mistakes are viewed as opportunities for personal growth. In a toxic environment, failure is punished. This instils fear amongst employees, making them afraid to speak up, share ideas or innovate. Progress stalls because nobody wants to be blamed if something doesn’t go as planned.

 

A lack of recognition and very little support from leadership can crush motivation. When managers don't acknowledge accomplishments or offer constructive feedback, it makes employees feel undervalued. This can have a significant impact on their desire to stay motivated and engaged.

 

Pressure to bend the rules, ignore policies, or engage in dishonest practices is a major warning sign. Unethical behaviour from leaders or toxic colleagues can compromise your integrity and cause significant mental stress. It points to deep-rooted issues within the company culture that can be hard to fix.

 

A toxic workplace can profoundly affect your overall well-being. A stressful and negative work environment often impacts both your mental and physical health, with effects ranging from sleep problems to anxiety. It is vital to recognise and address these challenges to protect your emotional health.

 

• An always-on expectation: A disregard for your Right to Disconnect, with demands for constant availability that blur the lines of your work-life balance. Pausing notifications after hours may be viewed negatively.
   
• Bias toward in-office staff: Leadership might favour employees who work from the office, leaving remote workers disadvantaged for professional development, promotions, or recognition.
   
• Virtual micromanagement: Excessive control through constant check-ins and monitoring tools erodes trust and creates a tense atmosphere.
   
• Exclusion and information silos: Remote workers might be left out of important updates or decisions made during informal office conversations, leaving them feeling disconnected and uninformed.

How to deal with a toxic workplace

• Set boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and commit to them. Avoid checking emails or taking work calls during your personal time. Setting boundaries is a critical form of self-care that helps you recharge.
   
• Record notes: Keep a private record of specific incidents, noting dates, times, and what was said or done. This is especially useful if you notice signs of toxic coworkers or negative behaviours. This log can be valuable if you decide to raise concerns with HR.
   
• Control what you can: You cannot change other people's attitudes, but you can manage your reactions. Concentrate on your tasks, build resilience, and find support from a positive friend or family member.
   
• Improve human skills: Developing your effective communication and stress management skills can help you navigate difficult interactions with toxic colleagues. Learning to remain calm and professional is valuable in any setting.
   
• Seek support: Talk to someone you trust, whether it's a mentor, friend, or former colleague. Sharing your experience can provide perspective and emotional support, helping you feel less isolated. Open communication can make a difficult situation more manageable.

How to leave a toxic workplace

• Refresh your CV and discreetly begin your job search.
• Look for companies with healthy work environments and positive reviews from former employees.
• During interviews, ask questions about company culture and growth opportunities.
• Resign professionally and politelydon't include details of the toxic experiences.
• Focus on your future and the positive steps you are taking for your psychological health.

Find your next opportunity with Hays