Subjecting yourself to a toxic work environment takes a toll on your psyche, health and dismantles your spirit of resolve.
I resigned from a job because of its toxic culture. While the salary was great, I was ready to take half of the pay for peace of mind. While you owe your employer your best work, there is no job worth consuming your time and peace. Coupled with the fact that there was no path to promotion, it was inevitable that I was going to be stuck in the same role for years. I could tell by the redundant water cooler conversations–leading to nowhere–that even my colleagues’ light was diminishing slowly too. Some lights were completely snuffed out! Folks were more excited about the latest gossip than the latest developments in their department and their role in it. Feeling as though I had hit a ceiling, no new knowledge would be gained. I desperately sought out random ways to feel like I was continually learning something–simulate the mind. That physics course was quite insightful….but it was not enough; it was time to go.
Reflecting back on other situations where I just dealt with the toxicity quietly, I realize that managers who create, permit or ignore such an environment is complicit in one of greatest alchemies of human nature and power. Toxicity creates a divide within the workforce where its players must pick a side. Some managers insulates themselves from that toxicity to appear neutral, but many end up selecting a side. Selecting a side drives people further apart, and creates a sense of power in the majority because the leader appears to have their best interests at heart. Either way what they both fail to do is address the core issue. Leadership is about bringing people together, to inspire conversation, learn continually and innovate.
Many people find themselves caught up in the petty politics of the day–unable to escape it fully. When one colleague shares gossip about the next, or another underhandedly and publicly questions the reputation of someone else, just remember, it just might come from a place of envy. There are those managers who bombard you with task requests without providing you the appropriate tools or consider your well-being. Reasons why managers would allow deep incompetence, favoritism and downright unprofessionalism to be the mark of their leadership is beyond me. I believe it boils down to the lack of training.
Here are 15 Signs of a Toxic Work Environment.
- Lack of Communication
- Information is either withheld or not communicated clearly, leading to confusion, mistakes, or a lack of understanding of roles and responsibilities.
- High Turnover Rate
- If employees frequently leave the company, it may indicate dissatisfaction with the work environment.
- Excessive Overtime
- Regularly requiring employees to work long hours without sufficient compensation or time for rest can be a sign of a toxic workplace.
- Office Politics and Favoritism
- If promotions or rewards seem to be based more on personal relationships than on performance, it can breed resentment and unhealthy competition.
- Lack of Recognition or Appreciation
- Employees who consistently work hard but are not acknowledged or rewarded may feel undervalued and unmotivated.
- Negative or Pessimistic Atmosphere
- An overall negative attitude, with frequent complaining, gossiping, or pessimism, can be a sign of a toxic workplace.
- Lack of Trust
- If employees feel they can’t trust their coworkers or management, it can lead to a toxic environment.
- Micromanagement
- When leaders don’t trust employees to do their jobs and excessively control all details, it can create stress and reduce job satisfaction.
- Bullying or Harassment
- Any form of bullying, whether from coworkers or management, is a clear sign of a toxic work environment.
- Poor Work-Life Balance
- If work consistently intrudes on personal time and employees are expected to be available round the clock, it can lead to burnout.
- Lack of Opportunities for Growth
- A workplace that doesn’t provide opportunities for employees to learn new skills or advance in their careers can lead to frustration and stagnation.
- Unfair Treatment
- If employees are treated unequally, with bias, or discrimination, it is a sign of a toxic environment.
- Excessive Criticism
- Constructive criticism is normal, but when it becomes excessive, public, or humiliating, it’s a sign of toxicity.
- Employee Health Issues
- If many employees suffer from stress-related health problems, like anxiety, depression, or physical illness, it can indicate a toxic workplace.
- Fear Culture
- If employees constantly fear losing their jobs, making mistakes, or disagreeing with management, it creates a fear-based culture, which is toxic.
In concluding my reflection, although I am glad I resigned, I am also glad that I got to witness such a vile act on the human potential. It prepares you for anything. You never have to teach me a lesson twice! I encourage you to keep your eyes open to toxicity in the workplace, and speak up whenever possible. I also encourage you to reconnect with your purpose and re-empower yourself to move toward your potential. Although you need that ‘right now job’, it is okay to take active steps to transition to your next one–even if you have to create it. Keep your head up.
