If you’re not happy with your job, you might be setting your sights to pastures new. However, the last thing you want is to leave one toxic workplace and jump straight into another. To help you identify a toxic work culture, we’ve put together this list of things to watch out for. Not all work places are the same, and there are traits that some employees will consider toxic which others don’t. The best thing to do is to find a company whose values align closely with yours.
Overworking
Contrary to what some people might say, overworking is not a mark of glamour or success. Working long hours without enough breaks and rest leads to burnout. Employees who are suffering from burnout are likely to develop mental and physical health problems. They’ll also be less happy and less productive in the workplace.
With that being said, some people consider themselves to be workaholics. They thrive on working extra hours, putting their all into work and rarely taking breaks. However, even the hardiest of workers needs to take a break every now and then. If you enjoy work and like being pushed, make sure to check in with yourself regularly to ensure you’re not overdoing it. A good manager will show concern and ensure you have plenty of opportunities to take some time away from work.
Lack Of Accountability
Taking responsibility for your actions is an admirable trait in all aspects of life. However, there are some workplaces where this behaviour isn’t encouraged. It can be frustrating to have coworkers who aren’t accountable for their actions. This frustration can lead to dissatisfaction and an uneven distribution of work tasks, leading to some employees feeling as though they’re taking more of a burden than others. Find an employer who encourages staff to be accountable for their actions. They should lead by example by communicating expectations and results clearly, and being honest if they make mistakes.
Ineffective Communication
Communication is incredibly important. A good employer will have an open line of communication. Without it, staff may struggle to meet expectations, or even know what is expected of them. A lack of communication results in confusion and disconnection between employees and their employers. It can result in employees feeling unrecognised and dissatisfied, as their good work isn’t appreciated by their employer.
High Staff Turnover
This is a common red flag for many applicants. A high staff turnover often means that an employer has significant issues. These issues can range from poor work culture, to bad hiring decisions, to fundamental problems with management. However, a high staff turnover doesn’t always mean bad things. If you’re in a competitive industry, the turnover could be a result of employees being headhunted and recruited to competitors. If the reason for the high turnover isn’t clear, you should carefully question this in your interview. Then you can make an informed decision about the company based on their response.
Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace can be a legal matter. In the UK, there are some ‘protected characteristics’ listed in The Equality Act 2010 that are illegal to discriminate against. If the employer appears to discriminate against someone who has a protected characteristic, they might not always be in breach of the law. For example, if a food service employer asks employees to shave their beards, but a member of staff has a beard for religious reasons, this is not considered discrimination. Instead, it’s called indirect discrimination, because this policy would apply to all employees regardless of their religious beliefs. It’s also important to note that in this circumstance, shaving a beard would improve health and safety in the workplace.
Micromanagement
Micromanagement can drain the morale out of the best employees. If a workplace is subject to micromanagement, employees are under excessive control. This can leave them feeling as though they aren’t trusted or able to complete their work, even if they are. Employers who ask for constant updates and won’t allow you to make reasonable decisions in the workplace can send good employees running for the hills. It can be difficult to identify this behaviour in an interview. Employers who describe themselves as ‘hands on’ or otherwise indicate they’re heavily involved in the work could be a red flag. However, you may be unlikely to spot a micromanager until you’re being managed by them and feeling a bit suffocated.
No Opportunity For Growth
This won’t be a bad thing for everyone. Some people are quite happy to find a job that will remain steady throughout the years, without the need for progression. However, if you’re hungry to climb up the ladder and develop further, you’ll want to find an employer that’s open to helping you grow. Professional growth comes in a few forms. It’s not just about getting promotions and pay rises – although those are very nice! To some people, growth means investment in their training and personal development. If a potential employer can’t discuss opportunities in their workplace, they might not be the best company for you.
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