What Are the Signs of a Toxic Workplace?

Are you afraid that you might be working in a toxic environment? What are the signs of a toxic workplace?

Working in a toxic environment can take a huge toll on your mental health, so it’s important to be aware of the signs of workplace toxicity.

Check out this guide to discover the top signs of a toxic workplace.

1. You’re Constantly Stressed

We all deal with workplace stress from time to time. However, if you’re feeling stressed on a constant basis, this is cause for concern and could be a sign that you’re working in a toxic environment.

If you wake up every day with dread at the thought of going to work, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent poll found that 42 percent of American workers have purposely switched jobs due to a stressful work environment.

One of the best ways to self-assess your stress levels is to look at your physical and mental health. Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you too stressed to eat or overeating because of stress? Do you constantly feel nervous, anxious, or overwhelmed?

If you feel like your stress is taking a toll on your physical and mental health, then it may be time to switch jobs.

2. You’re Overworked

Are you working way more than the number of hours you originally agreed upon?

While almost every industry goes through busy periods, if you’re being overworked to the point where it’s affecting your personal life, then it may be time to switch jobs.

3. People Aren’t Behaving Like Professionals

No workplace is completely immune to poor communication, gossip, and the occasional bad egg. However, if your workplace is overwrought with people who are behaving poorly, then that’s a sign that you’re in a toxic work environment.

Here are some things to watch out for:

You’re a victim to or contributor of workplace gossip
Your office has cliques
There’s a high turnover rate
People show little to no enthusiasm for their jobs
There’s a general lack of communication or no communication
Your boss is a hot head
Workplace leaders display narcissistic behavior
Turnover is high
Employees are constantly sick
You’re being bullied
Day to day behaviors don’t reflect the company culture

Sometimes, even just one of these issues can be a sign that you’re in a toxic work environment that you need to get out of.

4. There’s No Forward Movement

When we think of toxic work environments, we often think of obvious things like mean bosses or lazy coworkers. However, workplace toxicity can sometimes be a bit more subtle.

Think back to when you first started your job. Were you describing it as a great place to work? Were you excited about where the company was going?

Now, think about how you feel about your job. Have you been given any opportunities for advancement? Do you have anything good to say about where you work?

Asking yourself these questions can tell you a lot about your work environment.

What are the Signs of a Toxic Workplace?

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What are the signs of a toxic workplace?”, it’s time to do some reflection. If any of these signs seem familiar to you, then it’s probably time to start applying to new jobs.