10 Signs of a toxic workplace

Salary sacrifice
 
Feeling drained, undervalued, or constantly on edge at work? It could be more than just a tough week. You might be dealing with a toxic workplace, something that can harm both your well-being and your career.
 

What is a toxic workplace?

A toxic workplace is an environment where negative behaviours and attitudes are deeply ingrained, creating a harmful atmosphere for employees. This can impact productivity, mental health, and even physical well-being. It’s the kind of environment that leaves people feeling stuck, stressed, or unappreciated.
 
Recognising the warning signs is the first step to addressing the issue.
 

What are the signs of a toxic workplace?

A toxic work environment doesn't always involve shouting matches or overt hostility. Often, the signs are more subtle. Here are ten common signals to watch out for.
 

1. Poor communication from the top down

One of the most significant indicators of a toxic culture is consistent poor communication. This can manifest as unclear instructions, a lack of transparency about company decisions, or leaders who rarely make themselves available. When information is withheld or delivered ineffectively, it creates confusion and distrust, making it difficult for employees to meet goals.
 

2. A prevalence of office gossip

While a little chatter is normal, an environment fueled by office gossip can quickly turn sour. When rumours and double-crossing become the primary form of communication, it erodes trust and psychological safety. This type of hostile work environment pits colleagues against each other and distracts from actual work, contributing to low morale.
 

3. High employee turnover

Is your company’s front door a revolving one? High employee turnover is a classic sign of a bad company culture. When people are constantly leaving, it suggests that there are underlying issues that management is failing to address. This high turnover can increase workloads for remaining staff and decrease productivity across the board.
 

4. Lack of a healthy work-life balance

Does your job demand long hours and expect you to be available at all times? A workplace that doesn’t respect your personal time creates chronic stress. Unrealistic expectations and pressure to always prioritise work over your personal life can lead to burnout and negatively affect your physical and mental health. A healthy workplace culture promotes a better work-life balance.
 

5. Micromanagement and no autonomy

Leaders who micromanage don't trust their teams. They control every small detail, question decisions, and rarely allow employees to take ownership of their work. This lack of autonomy can be incredibly demoralising, stifling creativity and making employees feel incompetent. It signals a lack of trust within the entire organisation.
 

6. Inconsistent rule enforcement

Favouritism is a clear marker of a toxic workplace culture. When rules, promotions, and perks are applied inconsistently, it creates a sense of unfairness. Employees feel that success is based on who you know, not what you do. This can be especially frustrating for entry-level employees trying to build a career.
 

7. Fear of failure and no innovation

In a healthy workplace, mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. In a toxic environment, however, failure is punished. This creates a culture of fear where employees are afraid to take risks, share ideas, or try new things. Innovation stagnates because no one wants to be the person who gets blamed if something goes wrong.
 

8. Very little support or recognition

Do you feel like your hard work goes unnoticed? A lack of recognition and support from leadership can crush motivation. When managers fail to acknowledge achievements or provide constructive feedback, it contributes to feelings of being undervalued. This can significantly impact employee morale and their desire to stay motivated.
 

9. A rise in unethical behaviour

Pressure to cut corners, ignore policies, or engage in dishonest practices is a major red flag. Unethical behaviour from leadership or colleagues can compromise your personal integrity and create significant mental stress. It signals deep-rooted problems within the company culture.
 

10. Impacting your health

A toxic workplace can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. A stressful and negative work environment often affects both your mental and physical health, making it important to recognise and address these challenges.
 

Signs of a toxic workplace in remote environments

  • Always-on expectation: Blatant disregard for the Right to Disconnect, demanding constant availability, blurring work-life boundaries. Pausing notifications after hours may be seen as a lack of commitment.
     
  • In-office bias: Leadership may favour employees who occasionally work in the office, leaving fully remote workers at a disadvantage for new opportunities, recognition or even promotions.
     
  • Virtual micromanagement: Excessive control through constant check-ins, scrutiny, and monitoring tools erodes trust, stifles productivity, and creates a tense and uncomfortable environment.
     
  • Exclusion and silos: Remote workers are frequently excluded from important meetings and updates, leaving them disconnected and uninformed. For example, missing out on a key product strategy discussion because it was held informally in the office, leading to frustration and a lack of alignment.
 

How to deal with a toxic workplace and colleagues

If these signs feel familiar, you might be wondering how to survive a toxic workplace. Taking proactive steps can help you manage the situation and protect your well-being.
 
Here are some strategies for how to deal with toxic workplace dynamics.
 
  • Establish healthy boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and stick 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 disconnect and recharge.
     
  • Document everything: Keep a private record of specific incidents, including dates, times, and what was said or done. This is especially important if you spot signs of toxic coworkers or negative behaviours. This documentation can be useful if you decide to raise concerns with HR.
     
  • Focus on what you can control: You can’t change other people’s working styles or attitudes, but you can control your reactions. Focus on your tasks, build resilience, and seek out positive relationships with supportive colleagues.
     
  • Develop your soft skills: Improving your effective communication and conflict resolution abilities can help you navigate difficult conversations with toxic colleagues. Learning how to stay calm and professional under pressure is a valuable skill in any setting.
     
  • Talk to someone you trust: Share what you’re experiencing with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. Talking about the situation can provide perspective and emotional support, helping you feel less isolated.

How and when to leave a toxic workplace

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the situation doesn’t improve. Knowing when and how to leave a toxic workplace is key to protecting your career and health. If the poor environment is impacting your well-being and all attempts to address the issues have failed, it may be time for further action.
 
  • Update your CV and discreetly search for new opportunities.
  • Look for companies with healthy workplace cultures that value communication and employee well-being.
  • During interviews, ask about company culture, communication styles, and support for employees.
  • Resign professionally with a polite resignation letter; there's no need to detail toxic experiences.
  • Focus on your future and move forward positively.
Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and no job is worth sacrificing your health for.
 

Find your next role with Hays

At Hays, we understand the importance of finding the right role in a supportive and positive environment. Our recruiters are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you explore opportunities that align with your skills, values, and career ambitions. Together, we can help you take the next step toward a healthier and more fulfilling future. Get in touch today.