Toxic Workplaces and How to Spot Them

By Bridges & Associates HR Solutions, LLC edited by yomobri

Leaving an old job is never easy; you give up comfort and are faced with uncertainties about what lies ahead. However, when employees make the decision to leave an employer where they have invested their time, there is always a compelling reason.

These can include:

● Higher wages

● A need for more challenging work

● Change of career

● Looking for opportunities for growth or lack of growth opportunities

● Being overworked

● Being saddled with the increased responsibility of a coworker that left but was never replaced

● The current workplace is a bad work environment.

Starting a new job is supposed to be exciting and a learning experience. No one ever expects that leaving one bad environment you may walk into an environment that is not only bad but TOXIC. When you go on an interview, the interviewer never says welcome to ABC company, we are the home of a toxic environment - join us.

What is a toxic workplace?

When you think of the word toxic you think poisonous, something that will do serious harm or even kill you. Toxic things are normally labeled with warning signs to alert you of the dangers, but toxic workplaces are not labeled - they don't say caution. A toxic workplace is defined as one where negative behaviors, such as manipulation, bullying, yelling, are so intrinsic to the culture of the organization that a lack of productivity, a lack of trust, high stress levels, infighting, and discrimination become the norm. Most of the time people don't realize that they are in this type of environment until it's too late or ever.

A toxic workplace is not the bad air you breathe due to a bad ventilation system, but toxic workplaces are created by the actions of those who remain in these workplaces for long periods of time. They were once on the receiving end but now they are the very ones who contribute to the toxicity. So how do you deal with a workplace where the environment breeds lack of trust, lack of teamwork, an atmosphere of get them before they get me, a workplace that has toxicity as their operating mantra? Pedersen, the author of “Toxic Work Environment: Signs and 10 Tips to Cope (healthline.com), states, things that can create or contribute to a toxic work environment are:

● A boss who sabotages you and boss sets you up for failure

● Micromanagement

● Excessive gossip

● Cliquish behavior

● Passive aggressive boss or coworkers

● Harassment or discrimination

● Microaggressions (indirect or subtle prejudice)

● Bullying

● Unsafe working conditions

● Cutthroat working conditions (environment of jealousy for others’ success or coworker trying to make you look bad or take credit for your work)

● Lack of respect

● Lack of opportunities for growth

● Unrealistic workloads

● Low pay

● Unpredictable schedule

● Coworkers not being disciplined for inappropriate behavior

● Nonconstructive criticism

● A boss who continuously threatens to fire employees

● General atmosphere of chronic negativity

So what do you do when the place you thought could be your forever work home and the place where you could fly and spread your wings turns out to be the place of grief, unhappiness and stress. Some will tell you to stick it out, just do your job and leave or it’s going get better, but the reality is that toxic workplaces never get better. They go on and on, eventually breaking the "glass is full" outlook normally found in most new hires. Toxic work places can go on for years and is like a revolving door that is constantly open, where only a few will make it out unscathed. Those that remain in these workplaces, are those who are indoctrinated to behaviors of a toxic workplace, They often justify the behavior or say “ It happened to me and I made the cut”.

If these things are going on in your workplace, your workplace is TOXIC. How do you cope? Do you walk away and cut your losses? Do you try to stick it out? Dealing with the stressors of a toxic workplace is never easy. Toxic workplaces spill over into your personal life and causes harm to your health, your mental well-being, your relationships, and family life. Often times after spending a day in a toxic workplace you have to destress, unwind, or take care of yourselves mentally before dealing with life as a mom, dad, caregiver, or spouse. The key is to cope until you can get out of this bad situation. Pedersen gives some tips on how to deal:

● Remember it’s not your fault: The negativity at your job isn’t your fault. Toxicity is inbreed in the fabric of the culture. Although having a positive attitude and collaborative mindset may help in certain situations, remember that there’s only so much you can do to improve the culture at your work.

● Take your lunch break elsewhere: Be sure to take a lunch break where you can get out of the work environment. Sit in nature if possible.

● Set boundaries: Don’t get bullied into skipping your lunch break or working after hours for no pay. Explain to your boss that you need your breaks and time off to recharge and do your job well.

● Don’t get involved in the drama: Try to walk away from any drama or gossip. Nothing positive will come from it.

● Stay focused on your goals: Do your best to stay in a positive state of mind. You won’t be here forever, and you have bigger and better things ahead of you.

● Have an after-work ritual to raise your vibes: Do something after work to psychologically clear away the negativity. You can take a walk in nature, take a hot shower, or call a friend.

● Stick with a few trustworthy coworkers: It’s a good idea to keep a few work allies, so you can support and confide in one another.

● Don’t compromise your values: If someone at work is being cruel to you, do your best to not respond in kind. It will only make the situation escalate.

● Engage in regular stress-coping techniques: Take up meditation, yoga, or engage in daily exercise to help you handle chronic stress.

● Plan your exit: If the toxic work situation isn’t going to improve anytime soon, start your search for a new position.

Just like stress can kill, so can a toxic workplace. Never feel bad when you put your needs first over the idea of remaining in a toxic workplace out of fear of starting over. Remember, toxicity in the workplace is never ok and accepting these behaviors are not the norm.