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4 Signs Of A Toxic Work Environment

It’s fair to assume that most business owners seek to provide a good environment for their staff.  Owners must understand that creating a positive workplace and cultivating a more productive business takes time and consistent effort. Some workplaces can still become toxic, even when the higher-ups have good intentions. If you work in such an environment, your ability to enjoy your job and take pride in your work will likely be impacted. 

Strange as it may sound, many women often find it difficult to identify a toxic workplace environment. It can be tough to know the difference between a standard tough workplace that aligns with modern values, and one that crosses the line into outright toxicity. There are, however, a few signs that can help you to identify a toxic work environment, as we have detailed below. 

The Staff Bad Mouths the Company and Superiors

Not everyone loves the company they work for, and that’s absolutely fine. However, if everyone in the office regularly talks negatively about the business and its leaders, it can be a bad sign. Often this shows up when leaders give instructions or feedback and staff immediately grumbles, complains, and criticizes superiors. Furthermore, this is usually done among a group or clique that fuel each other. Steer clear of conversations that involve undermining your bosses and the business at all cost. It’s a toxic trap that will not end well for anyone.

Bullying or Abusive Behavior is Not Taken Seriously

The way a company, as a whole, responds to abusive behavior, aggression, or sexual harassment is telling about its culture and values. For example, if a staff member shouts at a colleague and belittles her, and other employees excuse the behavior with comments like, “That’s just how they are,” or “I know it’s a lot, but that’s just how they get things done,” it signals that the workplace has normalized such conduct. This acceptance of abusive behavior in the office is a clear indication of a toxic work environment.

Gossiping is the Norm

Work Environment

It’s natural for employees to become interested in one another’s lives. Conversations between employees are actually healthy in a work environment and can help to lift company morale. That said, if those conversations turn into gossip sessions about others, toxicity has taken over. Passing judgment on the actions of another employee or speculating about their personal life is not appropriate behavior on any level, especially at the office.  Furthermore, if management involves themselves in the gossip, negative consequences are even more likely.

Passing the Buck or Blaming Others

In a healthy workplace environment, members of staff are accountable for their actions. Toxic environments are more likely to provocate blame, excuses, and throwing others under the bus. Unfortunately, it might not be discovered in a timely manner either. For example, a customer service rep blames the delivery staff for an issue with a customer order. Rather than examining their own actions, they blame others. If this blame-passing is tolerated, accepted, or even encouraged by others, the company will not keep quality staff and will suffer in many ways.

In Conclusion

If you recognize any of the signs above, it is important to know you do not have to tolerate such an environment. If you feel your workplace is harming your mental or emotional well-being, try to address the issue with your superiors. They will want to help, especially if it’s compromising your ability to do your job. If things can’t be resolved, maybe it’s time to move on. 

About Madeline

Madeline is a mid-west mom of three who spends most of her time refilling ice trays and changing toilet paper...just kidding. She is a high school guidance counselor, all around funny gal, and a writer. Her first book, Be Happy Already!", is in the works.

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