Answer these 5 questions to find out if your work environment is toxic

How many of us can remember a time when we had a job that was less than desirable, and the company was even worse? Often, too many people end up with organizations that don’t invest in their employees, leading to dissatisfaction and lack of satisfaction.

If you continue to find yourself at a crossroads when it comes to your current career and the given employer, ask yourself these 5 questions to evaluate whether your work environment promotes and encourages toxic behavior.

How is the communication within the organization?

When you look at the dynamics of a productive work environment, healthy communication is the first essential essential skill. Leadership teams that do not promote and encourage healthy communication skills along with clear and reasonable goals is usually a failure point within the organization.

Does management promote unbiased constructive feedback? Are employees often confused about the company’s mission and vision? Are there limits to ensure that all employees feel empowered and respected in the workplace?

If these things are missing, it promotes many dysfunctions within teams, resulting in a less productive work environment. If employees don’t feel comfortable raising concerns because of a reprimand or fear of being banned, it’s a clear example of communication not being a core value. Gossip, cliques, or disrespect in the office don’t promote a healthy work environment and can be more toxic than you realized.

Is there a lack of leadership and responsibility?

If changes are not made regularly to make the workplace a better environment for all employees to thrive, then there is a breakdown of real responsibility.

Have you ever experienced a manager who did nothing to solve problems or consider your constructive feedback? Repeatedly disregarding a team member’s thoughts and opinions to protect management’s reputation stifles employee and company growth.

Confusion at any scale within an organization is counterproductive and has a huge impact on team morale. If you notice favoritism within teams or if work is unevenly distributed, it’s time to evaluate what matters most to you.

Even if this doesn’t directly affect you right now, but you notice strange behavior – know that things can escalate very quickly. When a company lacks positive and reinforced leadership, many questions remain unanswered. If clarity is lacking, then leadership misses the mark.

Do employees have a work-life balance?

If you and your fellow team send emails outside office hours, boundaries are not respected and respected. Working more than 60 hours a week is not an example of work-life balance. Calling out of hours, or an unwritten rule that it’s normal to be overworked, can exhaust and completely turn off employees.

As adults, we all have many responsibilities and obligations. It is very important for your company to understand before you are an employee, you are a human being. If management isn’t prioritizing that or trying to work around accommodations that allow you to showcase your best self at work, then this isn’t the place for you.

Negative reactions to paid time off and vacations are examples of how a company does not properly support the well-being of its employees.

Does the company promote and encourage internal growth?

What is the attitude when it comes time to transfer to another department? If there is a lack of promotion and general employee training, it may mean that the organization does not want their employees to have a fulfilling career.

Are performance reviews performed on a regular basis? Can you discuss your short- and long-term professional goals with Human Resources and/or management? Is there a clear, documented path for growth and development?

As we look for new opportunities, let’s make sure the organization’s values align with yours. If it is very difficult to move out of roles and find new opportunities, it shows that your current employer is only completing current tasks and is ignoring your professional development.

Are there training opportunities or different programs to enhance your skills? Consider these questions and take the time to honestly answer them in person. If you’re constantly faced with excuses, roundabout answers, or blatant disregard, take that as an answer and act accordingly.

How does this environment affect my mental health?

Are you or any of your colleagues experiencing an overwhelming amount of stress and/or fatigue at work? Is there an onset of anxiety due to work overload? If so, it will negatively impact your mental health.

Burnout in the workplace is very real. This includes those who may be working from home. Is communication passive aggressive? Are the tones during conference calls or emails demeaning, negative, or condescending?

A toxic work environment not only affects you as an employee, but also you as a person. Everyone and everything you come into contact with is at a disadvantage if you are not allowed to appear in the workplace as your full, authentic self.

If personal expressiveness is not encouraged, diversity is not supported and inclusion is lacking – this is a huge problem. Have the people closest to you noticed a change in behavior? Have you given up activities you loved at the expense of your current position?

Take a personal inventory and make the necessary changes to restore your sanity. Don’t be afraid of change, especially change for the better. Your intuition does not lie; prioritize yourself and find an employer that fits you holistically.