The work environment plays a major role in the success of the company and the happiness of its staff. This is why many businesses all over the world prioritise making sure that their workers are given the right structure to operate effectively. In these companies, you see positive leadership, opportunities for growth, good work-life balance, and employee recognition, among many others.
Whenever there is a disconnect between the staff and the business, the work environment can become toxic if nothing is done to repair it. A toxic work environment can have detrimental effects on the staff’s mental health, job performance, and overall happiness. In this article, we’ll be sharing 5 telltale signs of a toxic work environment.
1. High Employee Turnover and Low Morale
If you notice that there has been a high number of staff changes in a short period of time, that’s a red flag. Healthy work environments have employees who stay much longer because they are happy with their working conditions. When employees experience bullying, harassment, being overworked and underpaid, and a lack of motivation, they are unlikely to feel fulfilled or happy.
This leads to frequent resignations and high turnover rates. Employees end up becoming dissatisfied and seek better opportunities elsewhere. Whenever you notice this constant change in staff, look out for other signs of a toxic work environment.
2. Poor Communication and Work Culture
Good communication is key in all aspects of business. Expectations are laid out clearly, everyone knows what to expect, and any changes are made known to everyone in time. In toxic work environments, employees aren’t given clear instructions as to what is expected of them. They may be told one thing before getting the job, only to realise that their task involves much more than promised. This leads to unhappy staff who feel cheated.
Also, if the company has a reputation for never listening to or considering suggestions made by employees to help it grow, that’s a problem. If leaders only criticise without ever giving positive feedback, that’s another toxic trait.
3. Poor Leadership
Bad leaders can stifle creativity, hinder growth, and erode trust between employees and management through their actions. Some of them tend to micromanage, which leaves employees finding themselves constantly under surveillance with little autonomy to make decisions. This lack of trust and empowerment can be harmful to individual and team morale because the staff aren’t allowed the freedom to contribute in ways they believe they can.
Others may not know how to delegate work properly to the best employees for the task. This can cause some employees to feel overworked and others to feel idle. Some leaders promote toxicity by encouraging gossip in the workplace. This creates an environment where people do not trust or like themselves. Look out for some of these signs in your workplace.
4. Workplace Conflicts, Gossip, Harassment, and Bullying
A toxic work environment may harbour instances of harassment, gossip, discrimination, or bullying. If you notice that cliques are being formed in the company, that’s cause for concern since there’s a possibility of discrimination. If you notice that female employees are being harassed for favours and opportunities, that’s a red flag. Companies that encourage a gossip culture among workers and organisations where people in power bully others are likely to be toxic. Also, a place where staff are often found to be at loggerheads with one another isn’t a healthy environment.
Workers on the receiving end of these instances are unlikely to be happy and can eventually become depressed. Employees are supposed to feel safe from any form of discrimination, and a workplace where these things happen isn’t a place to be.
5. Lack of Growth and Development
A healthy work environment is one where the workers feel challenged and are learning something new on the job. That stimulates their minds and motivates them to keep giving their all. If you notice that a company doesn’t offer learning opportunities or mentorship, it may not be invested in helping you grow as a professional.
If you notice that employees rarely receive job promotions, salary increments, or recognition for their hard work, it could be a sign of a toxic work environment. In healthy workplaces, employee growth and development are prioritised, and individuals are rewarded for their contributions and achievements.
Conclusion
Recognising the signs of a toxic work environment is essential for safeguarding your well-being and career growth. If you find yourself in a toxic workplace, it’s crucial to prioritise your mental health and consider seeking a healthier work environment. At HelloQuota, we are committed to helping candidates find opportunities in organisations that foster a positive and supportive work culture.