Most of us have experienced a toxic work environment at some point in our lives. I know I have. Of course, when I started my job at the toxic workplace, it wasn't immediately clear that the office culture wasn't healthy.
In my experience, the toxicity snuck up on me. In some cases, I even contributed to it. It can be hard to go high when someone else goes low, and it took me many years to learn to control my impulse to respond in kind.
What is a toxic workplace?
A toxic work environment is a workplace where negative behaviors are so intrinsic to the culture of the organization that a lack of productivity, a lack of trust, high stress levels, infighting, and discrimination become the norm. You might feel like you're always on alert and looking over your shoulder.
It's an environment that makes you feel “psychologically unsafe,” says career coach Eli Bohemond. You might feel like you'll be punished, humiliated, or rejected for speaking up—whether to share ideas, raise concerns or objections, or show up as yourself at work.
A toxic work environment can have various signs and indicators.
If you are in a toxic work environment, it can have a significant negative impact on your physical and mental health. You may experience stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout. You may also have difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or making decisions.
In some cases, a toxic work environment can even lead to physical health problems, such as headaches, stomachaches, or high blood pressure.
Common signs of a toxic workplace:
Bullying and harassment: This can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical intimidation, or unwanted sexual advances.
Negativity and gossip: A constant stream of negative comments and rumors can create a hostile and stressful work environment. This includes persistent gossip, backstabbing, or an overall lack of support and encouragement.
Poor communication: Lack of open and honest communication, withholding of information, or ineffective communication channels can contribute to a toxic environment.
Lack of trust and respect: Employees may feel like they can't talk to their managers or coworkers about problems or concerns. Disrespectful behavior, such as belittling, bullying, or discrimination, is a clear indicator of toxicity.
Unfair treatment: Favoritism, nepotism, or inconsistent application of policies can breed resentment and create a sense of injustice among employees. Employees may feel like they are being treated unfairly, such as being passed over for promotions or being given more work than others.
High employee turnover: If there is a frequent turnover of employees, it may be a sign of a toxic work environment. Dissatisfied employees are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Elevated levels of stress: Excessive workloads, unrealistic expectations, tight deadlines, and constant pressure can create a stressful atmosphere that negatively impacts employees' well-being.
Lack of work-life balance: If the organization consistently expects employees to work long hours, sacrifice personal time, or neglect their well-being, it can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.
Micromanagement: When managers excessively control and monitor every aspect of their employees' work, it can create a stifling and demoralizing environment. Micromanagement can erode trust and prevent individuals from exercising autonomy and creativity.
Limited opportunities for growth: When there are no clear career development paths, lack of training opportunities, or unequal distribution of resources, employees may feel stagnant and undervalued.
Physical and emotional health issues: A toxic work environment can have severe consequences on employees' health, leading to increased stress-related illnesses, anxiety, depression, or other mental and physical health problems.
If you are in a toxic work environment, there are a few things you can do:
Talk to your manager. If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to your manager about the problems you are experiencing. They may be able to help resolve the issues or offer you support.
Document the problems. Document, document, document. If you are being harassed or discriminated against, it is important to document the incidents. This could include keeping a journal of the dates, times, screenshots, and details of the incidents.
Report the problems to HR. If your manager is unable to help, you can report the problems to HR. HR is responsible for ensuring that the workplace is free of discrimination and harassment. HR will ask for specifics and recommend that you document the incidents.
Look for a new job. If the problems in your work environment are not resolved, you may need to find a new job. A toxic work environment can have a significant negative impact on your health and well-being, and it is not worth staying in a job that is making you unhappy.
It is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people experience toxic work environments at some point in their careers.
The presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that an organization has a toxic work culture. However, if you consistently notice several of these indicators, it may be worth evaluating the overall health and culture of the workplace.
If you are in a toxic work environment, there are resources available to help you. You can talk to a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional. You can also contact a legal aid organization if you have been discriminated against or harassed.
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