7 Signs Of A Toxic Work Environment

A healthy working environment increases satisfaction, well-being and good relationships between employees. However, this need not always be the case. A toxic work environment can have a negative effect on us.

Sometimes we feel frustrated, tired and unmotivated in the workplace and we may not even like going to work because of the difficult relationship with our co-workers or boss. If we see a company or organization as a melting pot of emotions, it is only logical that there can be conflicts and differences.

The problem is learning to deal with this and where to start, not the cause. Degrading treatment, unhealthy competition and aggressive, bad and manipulative behavior characterize a toxic work environment.

By knowing for yourself whether your work environment is toxic, you can protect yourself. Following are the common characteristics of a toxic work environment. Let’s discuss them.

1. Absenteeism as an indication of a toxic work environment

It’s normal for people to get sick, have medical appointments, or have occasional obligations that prevent them from going to work. However, when this behavior is common, it can be a warning sign.

When someone calls in sick at least three times a month or continuously requests time off, be it for personal purposes, medical checkups or illness, this is a typical form of absenteeism. If unwarranted, it can be a good indication of a toxic work environment.

Another form of absenteeism is mental absence. It means that someone does go to work, but spends most of the time there on unrelated tasks.

Such behavior can be corrected if the supervisor takes responsibility for increasing employee motivation. If the employees are motivated, discouragement is avoided.

2. Abuse by executives

Another sign of a toxic work environment occurs when the way executives address the rest of the workforce shows a lack of respect. This is also the case if they use cynicism and sarcasm when addressing employees.

The same goes for making derogatory comments, expressing non-constructive criticism and comparing colleagues to one another. Rather than encouraging teamwork, these management styles encourage excessive competition and make employees feel bad.

3. Lack of communication

Communication problems at work usually occur when what is being communicated is indirect, incomplete or only half the truth. This creates confusion and double meanings resulting in errors.

In many cases, bosses are not clear or specific about how they want certain tasks to be performed, but expect their subordinates to “read their minds” or just guess the details. The longer or more often this occurs, the more frustrated, insecure and unmotivated employees will feel.

4. Little worker protection

This happens when the company prioritizes its own interests (customers, cost savings, and so on) over its employees. There is no rotation or any possibility of promotion. Nor are relevant training courses or career plans offered.

Employees can perform the same tasks for ten years without any promotion or even qualifying for it.

Another thing that can happen is that the internal policies are changed without notice. In general, all these conditions lead to great dissatisfaction among employees and a toxic work environment.

5. Dictatorial Leadership

In this case, the leader makes all decisions without taking into account the ideas of the team. He doesn’t listen or ask for other people’s opinions, which makes employees afraid to voice their disagreements.

Dictatorial  leaders are often distrustful people because they think that only they can do the job well and that no one knows as much as they do. Often this distrust stems from personal insecurities, especially when one of the employees excels and poses a threat.

What makes things worse in such a toxic work environment is that employees can’t count on their boss to help them solve problems.

6. Problems with the division of roles

Every employee has a role in an organization. While this role can be extremely complex, it must be well defined.

If employees are not clearly aware of their role, they may take on incompatible tasks or face excessive demands.

7. Mobbing

Mobbing, or bullying in the workplace, is often very common in a toxic work environment. It occurs when one or more colleagues complicate the work of other colleagues, harassing them on a professional and personal level. In this regard, a bad relationship with colleagues can be a major source of stress.

All of these problems can affect employees both physically and psychologically, impacting their well-being. It is therefore important to address them in order to manage or avoid a toxic work environment.