Do these warning signs ring a bell?
A significant portion of our lives is spent at work—about one-third, to be exact. But while some level of stress is normal, no one should feel stuck in an environment that makes them miserable. Toxic workplaces can take a serious toll on mental health, warns psychologist Steven Buchwald from Manhattan Mental Health Counseling.
“The rise of toxic workplaces can be attributed to a few potential causes,” Buchwald explained. “An institutional failure to prevent mental or emotional harm to employees is a common issue.”
Here are eight red flags he says you should watch out for:
1. Lack of Healthy Boundaries
Does your workplace expect you to always be available?
Toxic environments often blur the lines between work and personal life. Employees might be pressured to work late, answer emails on weekends, or stay connected even during personal time.
“No matter how much people love their job, if they do not have the time to disconnect from it, it will hurt their mental health and the well-being of those in their immediate circle too,” Buchwald explained.
2. Pervasive Negativity
Does the workplace feel heavy with negativity?
Low morale among employees can be a glaring sign of toxicity. “Negative behaviors form a cycle, influencing how others see their work,” Buchwald warned. A workplace that fails to value its employees often breeds an unhealthy atmosphere where negativity thrives.
3. Fear of Mistakes
Are you afraid of making errors at work?
A toxic environment often leaves employees paralyzed by the fear of failure. If people are too scared to take risks or accept responsibility, the entire team suffers. Professional growth becomes stifled, leaving everyone stuck in their comfort zones.
4. Ignored Feedback
Does giving feedback feel pointless?
If you’ve brought up issues to your employer but no action is ever taken, that’s a major red flag. “What can start as small problems can very easily become part of a long-term toxic culture,” Buchwald said. Ignoring feedback not only dismisses employee concerns but also fosters frustration and disengagement.
5. Favoritism
Does favoritism dictate promotions or special assignments?
In a toxic workplace, cliques and social hierarchies may thrive. Some employees receive preferential treatment, not because of merit, but because of favoritism. According to Buchwald, this behavior creates resentment and damages coworker relationships, turning the environment into an adversarial one.
6. A Tense Atmosphere
Does the office feel tense or intimidating?
Toxicity isn’t always easy to spot, but widespread tension, intimidation, or fear can manifest in subtle ways. “Non-verbal cues like silence, passive-aggressive behavior, and timid body language are often indicators,” Buchwald said. These signs often point to deeper institutional issues.
7. High Turnover Rates
Does your company struggle to retain employees?
While high turnover can have many causes, when combined with other red flags, it’s often a sign of toxicity. Employees tend to leave workplaces where they feel undervalued, unsupported, or emotionally drained.
8. Problematic Interview Processes
Did the job feel off even during the interview?
Sometimes, toxicity reveals itself as early as the hiring process. Unreliable communication, unnecessarily long interview processes, and last-minute changes to schedules can indicate deeper organizational issues.
“Workplaces with poor communication often have poor problem-solving and problem-recognition abilities,” Buchwald warned. Prospective employees should also be wary of “trick” questions during interviews, as they could signal an unhealthy company culture.
What to Do If You’re in a Toxic Work Environment
If any of these signs hit close to home, don’t ignore them.
“The sooner you spot the signs of a toxic work environment, the better,” Buchwald said. He advised setting boundaries, staying positive, and focusing on what you can control, such as how you interact with coworkers.
However, Buchwald cautioned against trying to endure too much: “The risk of emotional harm from staying in a toxic workplace is often not worth it.”
Instead, he encouraged planning an exit strategy. “Learning to better recognize and avoid a toxic workplace is often the healthiest move you can make.”
Being aware of these red flags can help you protect your mental well-being and seek out healthier environments before it’s too late.