Most of the employees (especially new ones) are unaware of a toxic workplace. ‘Probably this is how work is supposed to feel like’ – they think like this.
But they are unaware that they are in a toxic workplace.
This article is not some absolute guide to identify a toxic workplace. This is something I learnt after reading 100s of reddit posts and their experiences of being in a toxic workplace.
Here is a list of 23 signs that indicate that you are in a toxic workplace
1. Your boss constantly cancels 1:1s or shows up late, but expects you to be available at the drop of a hat, even after hours.
- If your leader is never available when you need them, but demands your time whenever they want, it’s a sign of disrespect and poor leadership.
2. Shaming employees in front of the whole team.
- Dressing down employees during meetings not only demoralizes the team but also creates a culture of fear and distrust.
3. A ‘It’s not about the team, it’s what I want’ mentality.
- When a leader dismisses team input and makes it all about their personal agenda, it kills collaboration and creativity.
4. Gaslighting: ‘We talked about this,’ when you know for sure it wasn’t discussed.
- Gaslighting is a tactic to make you doubt your memory and judgment. If you’re being told things happened that didn’t, it’s an attempt to manipulate you.
5. Backhanded compliments or comments.
- When praise comes with a sting—like being complimented on how well you handled a task ‘despite your usual struggles’—it’s a subtle way to put you down.
6. Your boss bad-mouths other employees to you but tells you how great you are.
- This tactic pits you against your colleagues. If they gossip to you, they’re likely doing the same behind your back.
7. Telling you that ‘other employees’ aren’t happy with your performance, without offering specifics.
- This is often a ploy to make you feel insecure and pit you against your coworkers. If there’s no concrete feedback, question the validity.
8. Your boss is constantly shifting goalposts and objectives, expecting you to pivot on a dime.
- Frequent changes without clear direction cause confusion, stress, and burnout. A good leader provides consistency and clarity.
9. You’re assigned projects without clear instructions, only to be reprimanded when it’s not done ‘their way.’
- This ‘figure it out yourself’ attitude creates unnecessary frustration and sets you up for failure.
10. Hot and cold behavior: One day your boss is your best friend, the next they’re distant and critical.
- Inconsistent behavior from a leader can leave you constantly second-guessing where you stand, which is emotionally exhausting.
11. They say ‘no’ to your ideas, only for someone else to present the same idea and get praised.
- This undermines your contributions and shows favoritism. It’s a way of silencing your voice while boosting someone else’s.
12. Constant employee turnover.
- If people are constantly leaving, it’s a clear sign of a toxic environment. High turnover indicates dissatisfaction and low morale.
13. Your boss claims to want feedback, but any constructive criticism is met with defensiveness or retaliation.
- Leaders who can’t handle feedback are creating a culture of fear where employees will stop voicing concerns altogether.
14. Your achievements are downplayed, while others receive constant praise for minimal effort.
- This can make you feel unappreciated and demotivated. It’s a classic sign of favoritism.
15. Your boss undermines you when you need support, but then reprimands you for not getting things done.
- Micromanaging while offering no real help creates a stressful and confusing work environment.
16. Vague, ever-changing expectations.
- If your role and responsibilities are constantly shifting without proper communication, it’s impossible to meet expectations. You’re being set up to fail.
17. You spend months working on a project, only for leadership to change everything at the last minute
- If there is a consistent last-minute change, it indicates poor management planning and shows a lack of respect for your time and effort.
18. Your boss picks favorites and gives them all the perks, leaving you out
- Favoritism is a major sign of toxicity. It divides the team and kills morale.
19. They criticize your work constantly, making you question your abilities.
- If everything you do is met with negativity, it’s often not about your work but about controlling and breaking down your confidence.
20. They pit team members against each other by offering selective praise and criticism.
- This creates a hostile environment where team members no longer trust or support each other.
21. You notice a pattern of emotionally charged speech—people sound like they’re on the verge of crying or losing control.
- If a highly stressful environment often manifests in people’s speech and behaviour, constant emotional tension is a clear red flag.
22. The blame game is common—everyone is trying to avoid being the target of the boss’s next tirade.
- If the culture is more about avoiding punishment than doing good work, you’re in a toxic environment.
23. If you think the workplace is toxic, it probably is.
- Trust your gut. If you consistently feel uncomfortable, anxious, or undervalued, it’s a major sign that the environment is toxic.
Lastly,
In conclusion, recognizing a toxic work environment is the first step toward reclaiming your mental well-being and professional satisfaction. If you find yourself identifying with multiple signs on this list, it’s important to trust your instincts and evaluate your options. No job is worth sacrificing your health, happiness, or self-worth. Also, don’t shy away to seek support, whether through HR, trusted colleagues, or external networks, and consider what steps you can take to protect yourself and your career. A healthy work environment nurtures growth, collaboration, and respect—anything less isn’t worth enduring.
If you are someone who is feeling stuck at work and do not know where to navigate, read this