For a lot of us, work occupies a significant portion of our lives, and is often one of the largest decisions we can make in our life. A positive/healthy work environment can significantly contribute to our well-being and professional growth.
Unfortunately, not all workplaces are healthy, and some can be downright toxic. Toxic workplace environments can have a detrimental impact on your mental and physical health, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. In this post, we will explore ways to identify and avoid toxic workplace environments, enabling you to cultivate a more positive and fulfilling career.
How to recognize the signs of a Toxic Workplace
Before you can avoid a toxic workplace, you need to recognize the signs. Here are some common indicators:
Poor communication: Lack of transparency, rumors, and limited feedback channels can lead to misunderstandings and a toxic atmosphere.
Micromanagement: Overbearing managers/ senior professionals who constantly monitor and control your work can be a source of stress and frustration.
Unreasonable demands: Excessive workload, unrealistic deadlines, and a culture that promotes overworking can lead to burnout.
Bullying and harassment: Discrimination, intimidation, and mistreatment by colleagues or superiors are red flags.
Lack of support: A workplace that neglects employee well-being, mental health, and professional growth can be detrimental.
Research Potential Employers
Before joining a new organization do your homework. Research the company culture, values, and employee reviews online.
LinkedIn and Glassdoor are our initial go-to places. They can provide you with great insight quantitatively in terms of overall headcount trajectory, average time spent with the organization and how the team is broken down by headcount (can flag if there is only 1-2 people in Finance in a 100-headcount place, likelihood is they’re overworked).
Red flags would be incredibly short tenures (sub-2-years) or comparably short to their competitors, a general headcount decline across all business units or any obscene reviews left on their Glassdoor.
We see the value in Glassdoor however do take it with a pinch of salt, it’s a great place to share feedback on an organization however can often be vastly skewed with negative feedback or outdated feedback on a company’s prior behaviors.
Where possible leverage your network, do any of your 1st connections work/ have worked there? Do they know someone who currently works at the business?
We can also advise on selectively reaching out to former employees of an organization to gather direct information about how their work experience was and what to expect.
Trust Your Gut
Sometimes, your instincts can be your best guide. Pay attention to your feelings during interviews and interactions with potential colleagues and superiors. If something doesn't feel right, it's worth investigating further or reconsidering the opportunity.
Ask the Right Questions
During job interviews, don't hesitate to ask questions that can help you gauge the workplace environment.
Examples include:
How does the company promote work-life balance?
Can you describe the team dynamics and communication practices within the team and organization?
How did the company perform in its last regulatory audit/exam?
What would former employees say about your management style?
How are conflicts resolved within the organization?
What is the company's approach to professional development and growth?
Be wary of answers to these questions that are dismissive or deflective as this may be an indication of how queries are dealt with internally in the organization.
Conclusion
Avoiding toxic workplace environments is crucial for your mental and physical health, as well as your career satisfaction. Recognize the signs, research potential employers, trust your instincts, and ask the right questions in your initial research, before joining an organization.
If you notice you’re in a toxic workplace environment, consult with HR about setting boundaries, documenting issues, seeking support, and considering your options of leaving the organization if necessary.
By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a workplace that promotes a positive and healthy atmosphere, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.
Remember, you deserve to work in an environment that values and respects your well-being.
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