We all have the right to feel safe and respected when we work. Unfortunately, while there are many companies that strive to create an excellent culture, there are others that don’t.
Typical workplace drama can be expected, but it shouldn’t be so consistent that it causes you anxiety or stress. Work should never have a negative impact on your mental wellbeing.
Below, we will talk about five red flags of a toxic work environment.
Discrimination
Discrimination occurs when an individual is mistreated due to factors such as age, gender, or beliefs. It’s one of the most significant signs of a toxic work environment, as a lot of this time, the issues go unnoticed or ignored by HR staff.
Luckily, a wide range of professionals out there can help – From a pregnancy discrimination attorney to those that handle cases related to harassment. It’s important to seek justice if you have been unfairly treated.
High turnover
One red flag to watch out for when applying for companies is their employee turnover rate. If individuals are leaving after just a few months of work, or if you have found poor reviews from previous staff members online, it’s a big indicator that something is going on.
Obviously, there are other reasons for frequent resignations, but it’s certainly something to look into, especially if you want a job that allows for growth.
Unfair enforcement of policies
Every business requires policies and procedures, and they are there for a reason. Not only do they ensure that everybody is on the same page, but they also provide guidelines so that each employee is treated equally.
If the workplace is not enforcing its policies for all staff members, this is another indicator of discrimination. If they don’t seem to have any procedures, it’s another cause of concern.
Lack of trust
As an employee, your management team must maintain a certain level of trust between the both of you. They shouldn’t micromanage every task and allow you to complete specific projects independently.
This isn’t just important for people who work in a store or office, but also for those working remotely. While management is essential, you shouldn’t feel as if you can’t do anything without somebody watching your every move.
Extreme gossip
There will always be some amount of workplace gossip, but when it becomes extreme, it can cause significant issues. Untrue rumors may lead to harassment or discrimination, as we mentioned above.
Alongside ensuring that gossip isn’t spread, a workplace should avoid cliques and create a collaborative environment. Everyone should be able to share their interest without fear of exclusion.
As you can see from the above, there are many indicators that a workplace may be showing signs of toxicity. If you’re searching for a job or are noticing any of the above at your current place of employment, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t brush it off. You deserve to be treated with respect.
