Toxic workplaces can have a detrimental effect on our mental health, as noted by psychologist Steven Buchwald from Manhattan Mental Health Counseling.
“The rise of toxic workplaces can be attributed to a few potential causes,” he stated, noting, “An institutional failure to prevent mental or emotional harm to employees is a common issue.”
Here are the eight indicators of a toxic workplace that Buchwald advises you to be cautious of…
In toxic workplaces, boundaries might not be respected, with expectations to work nights, stay late, and respond to messages at any time, including weekends.
Buchwald emphasized the significance of work-life balance: “No matter how much people love their job, if they do not have the time to disconnect from it, it will hurt the mental health of them and those in their immediate circle too.”
Buchwald pointed out that ‘poor employee morale’ signals not only a workplace that does not value its team but also contributes directly to its toxicity.
“Negative behaviours form a cycle, influencing how others see their work,” he added.
When employees fear making mistakes and avoid responsibilities, it can trap them within their comfort zones, hindering team progress.
How can professional growth occur in an environment that restricts you?
If feedback to employers consistently goes unheeded, it may also be a sign of toxicity.
“What can start as small problems can very easily become part of a long-term toxic culture,” Buchwald warned.
Workplaces with cliques and informal social hierarchies, such as ‘Queen’ or ‘King Bee’ types, indicate ‘highly unprofessional behavior being allowed to run rampant,’ according to Buchwald.
When certain employees receive preferential treatment without merit, it can lead to resentment and an ‘adversarial relationship between coworkers’.
“The signs of a toxic environment are not always easy to spot,” Buchwald said.
Indicators like intimidation, tension, or fear may present as ‘non-verbal cues like silence, passive-aggressive gestures, and generally timid body language’.
These signs can point to deeper institutional issues, similar to those discussed here.
While high staff turnover can have various causes, when paired with previously mentioned issues, it likely points to workplace toxicity.
Toxic environments may become evident as early as the interview process.
Buchwald cautioned that unreliable communication, excessive interviews, and sudden schedule changes can reveal a company’s negative attitude toward workers.
Prospective employees should be wary of interview questions that seem intended to ‘trick’ them – a topic frequently discussed online.
“Workplaces that have poor communication also tend to have poor problem-recognition and problem-solving abilities,” Buchwald emphasized.
If your work environment aligns with these descriptions, Buchwald offers some strategies for managing it.
“You can attempt to get through it by setting boundaries, staying positive, and focusing on what you can control, like how you interact with your fellow workers,” the psychologist suggested.
However, he warned that ‘the risk of emotional harm’ from staying in such a place is ‘often not worth trying to bear’.
“Instead, it’s usually better to start planning your exit, if possible,” Buchwald advised. “Learning to better recognise and avoid a toxic workplace is often the healthiest strategy.
“That people aren’t aware of toxicity in the workplace until it’s too late is a major problem.”