What is a toxic workplace?

Signs of toxic workplace

1. Poor communication: Lack of transparent communication channels, recurrent misunderstandings, or confusion can lead to tension and hesitation among team members. In the absence of complete transparency, employees tend to lose their trust in their leaders and ultimately their colleagues. Eventually, the entire team’s inspiration, commitment and loyalty decline. Hence, poor communication is certainly a red flag.
2. High turnover: An unstable workforce or frequent employee departures indicate dissatisfaction and underlying issues within the workplace culture. If your workplace has a similar situation, it could be a warning sign.
3. Micromanagement: Excessive control from managers and lack of trust among employees can restrict self-governance, productivity and creativity. It typically frustrates the employees leading to disengagement among them. If you are facing a similar issue, it could be time to look for a new job.
4. Blame culture: A toxic workplace is usually dominated by a culture where blame is always placed on individuals rather than addressing structural problems or learning from mistakes. Working in such an environment creates an unsafe atmosphere of fear, hostility and distrust. If this blame game is a regular affair at your organisation, it is time to move on.
5. Unrealistic expectations: Setting unachievable goals or regularly changing priorities without providing adequate support or resources can trigger stress, irritation and feelings of incompetence among employees. If you are also constantly pressured to attain unrealistic goals, it’s time to move forward.
6. Lack of work-life balance: Toxic work cultures often promote working long hours, working weekends, or being round the clock on call without regard for employees’ personal lives. If you are also being pushed to the point of exhaustion, it’s time to close this door and open a new one to maintain work-life balance.
7. Lack of support: Scarcity of help and support from management, insufficient resources, or failure to address the employees’ needs can provoke feelings of powerlessness and burnout. If you feel the same, it’s time to embark on a new chapter.
8. Favouritism: When a few employees are favoured or receive opportunities based on their relationships rather than merit, it can sow seeds of bitterness and damage the foundation of trust among the team. If favouritism is prevalent in your workplace, it’s time to shift gears.
9. Negative atmosphere: A toxic workplace often has a ubiquitous sense of negativity, characterised by persistent complaining, gossiping, or a general lack of enthusiasm. This negativity can be infectious and harmful to productivity and employee well-being. If you want to get away from a toxic atmosphere, this is the time.
10. Health issues: A toxic work atmosphere can burden employees’ mental and physical health. Rising employee absences, stress-related illness, depression, anxiety and other health issues may be prevalent among employees experiencing toxicity at work. If you are physically and mentally drained, it’s time to set sail for greener pastures.
11. Fearful atmosphere: An atmosphere of fear and unease, where employees are afraid to speak up or make mistakes, hinders innovation and creativity. Additionally, fear of punishment leads to a lack of honesty. If you are working in a culture of fear and apprehension, it’s time to break free.
12. Gaslighting: Gaslighting in a workplace indicates an unhealthy workplace. It is a way of making someone doubt their self-worth and understanding. When managers or colleagues constantly engage in gaslighting behaviours such as manipulating facts, casting doubts, or disapproving of someone’s emotions, it creates an environment of mistrust and instability. Gaslighting encourages a culture of insecurity and can lead to confusion and decreased productivity. If gaslighting is a common affaire at your workplace, it’s time to change course.
13. Bullying: Bullying within a workplace involves intentional harm or the misuse of power to control others. It creates an atmosphere of terror and anxiety leading to increased turnover and diminished job satisfaction. Additionally, bullying poisons the work culture and can have a severe impact on the mental and emotional well-being of those targeted.  If you also face workplace bullying, it’s time to make a fresh start.

 Impact of toxic work environment on your mental health

How to deal?

• Identify the signs: Recognise what causes a toxic atmosphere. This could be unhealthy competitiveness, persistent negativity, bullying, harassment, or a lack of support.
• Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to safeguard your mental and emotional health. This could involve avoiding particular conversation topics or minimising interactions with toxic individuals.
• Focus on what you can control: While transforming the entire workplace may not be feasible, concentrate on areas within your control, such as your work ethic, attitude, and reaction to challenging circumstances. Utilising your strengths can help you cope with your workplace environment.
• Seek support: Find allies who can assist you or share your concerns at work. Consider reaching out to an HR representative, mentor, or counsellor for guidance.
• Communicate assertively: If it makes you feel better, directly address the issue with the individuals involved. Express how their actions are affecting you and offer potential solutions.
• Prioritise your health: Negative self-talk and self-doubt can intensify in a toxic work environment. Take small breaks to give your mind the space it needs to remain creative and sharp amidst office stress.
• Avoid drama: Refrain from engaging in gossip or drama, as it rarely leads to positive outcomes.
• Establish rituals: Implement post-work rituals to uplift your mood, such as calling a friend, going for a walk, or indulging in a relaxing activity.
• Remember it's not your fault: Remind yourself that the hostility at work is not your fault. While maintaining a positive outlook can be helpful, recognise that there are limits to what you can do to improve the workplace culture.
• Assess your options: If the toxicity becomes unbearable or negatively impacts your health, consider exploring other employment opportunities. Your well-being should always be a priority.