9 signs of a toxic work environment
A toxic workplace isn’t just an environment which can affect your career. It can have a significant negative impact on your mental health too. And often, this can even manifest as physical symptoms.
Whether you’re in your first job or have years of experience in the working world, it can sometimes be hard to spot if you’re stuck in a place with a toxic work culture.
Here are nine red flags that are signs of a toxic workplace to watch out for:
“We’re a family”: If you hear this quote from anyone - especially those in management - it’s a cause for concern. In this context, the use of ‘family’ isn’t about the warm and fuzzy feeling of sharing samosas around the dinner table. Instead, it’s used to make you feel like there’s some duty owed. It can get employees to sacrifice personal time for work and maybe even let bad behaviour slide - like some people might in a family situation (more on that another time 👀).
Unnecessary meetings: An overload of meetings is a way to drive presenteeism. Presenteeism is being present at work for more hours than is required, especially as a manifestation of insecurity about your job. This isn’t an inclusive way of working; a lot of meetings can be difficult for those who are neurodiverse or have screen-induced migraines, for example. On top of that, presenteeism doesn’t always reflect on the quality or quantity of work delivered, and it can be a form of micromanagement.
Micromanagement: And speaking of micromanagement… Not only does it stifle creativity, it can make you feel undervalued and incapable. And if you’re prone to worrying (perhaps you have anxiety or experience intrusive thoughts), having a manager who is constantly checking in and following up can make things challenging for you.
No DEI Strategy: ESPECIALLY in this day and age. This shows that the business does not prioritise employee well-being and safety. No plan to Make Space For Difference on a day-to-day basis is a sign of no long-term vision.
Microaggressions: This can range from comments on culture to accents, food choices, and much more. For example, one of the members of our team was once told, ‘I’m almost as dark as you!’’ after a white colleague came back tanned from holiday. It’s a sign of a workplace that doesn’t think about DEI on a day-to-day basis or invest in training to combat this. (Unsure about what counts as a microaggression? More on this soon.)
High Turnover: If people constantly leave, it might signal deeper issues with management. It could reflect poor management, unclear expectations or job descriptions, or a lack of progression potential. This is a question that’s always worth asking at a job interview!
Sunday Scaries: That feeling of dread as the weekend draws to a close. To some extent, we all get it - after all, who wouldn’t want the weekend to last forever? But when those feelings have an underlying darker feeling to them, it’s a sign to start reviewing things. It could be that pit-of-the-feeling nervousness that almost makes you feel sick. It could cause panic. It could be tears. It can manifest in various ways, but you’ll know in your gut that this isn’t a normal feeling you should be having about your job.
No role progression: If there’s no clear path for you to progress, it’s a sign that management doesn’t have a long-term vision. Or, perhaps there is a long-term vision, but they haven’t considered how you fit into it. Either way, this suggests that this workplace isn’t right for you. A non-toxic workplace is one where your future trajectory is considered and shared with you.
Lack of mental health support: If your team or leaders don't have your back, it’s hard to thrive. Having an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) as a company benefit isn’t always enough. While EAP support can be useful in some ways, what’s more important is how your manager offers support on a day-to-day basis—whether that’s adjusted hours, regular check-ins, or adjusted behaviours (CIPD research found that management style is the third leading cause of work-related stress).
If you spot any signs of a toxic office, it's time to get out of there. Ready to take that step? Head to Other Box Jobs to browse our current listings and find a role that better aligns with your goals and values.
