Toxic workplace: how to recognize the warning signs

With the global search volume for "how to write a resignation letter" increasing by 5,000 % in the last month and the term "I hate my job" increasing by 121 million views on TikTok, it shows that many employees are working in a work culture that doesn't suit them.

Poor communication: 

Effective communication is of the utmost importance in a healthy working environment and forms the basis for smooth processes and team cohesion. However, communication breakdowns often occur in toxic workplaces. Misunderstandings and arguments between colleagues arise due to unclear expectations, lack of listening and vague instructions. Employees can assess the effectiveness of communication in their workplace by observing whether there is an atmosphere of mistrust, frequent misunderstandings and a lack of constructive feedback. 

Lack of transparency:

Transparency plays an essential role in promoting trust and cooperation in the workplace. An atmosphere of dishonesty and uncertainty can arise when important information or decisions are withheld from staff. The lack of clarity not only affects trust, but also causes employees to feel excluded and undervalued. If several employees are consistently excluded from important decisions, this can lead to dissatisfaction, affect productivity and ultimately contribute to a toxic work environment.

High fluctuation rate: 

Often, employee turnover is a sign of deep-seated problems within the organization. To address these issues, it is necessary to work to improve leadership, implement a positive workplace culture and prioritize employee well-being and satisfaction. An organization should regularly look for reasons for a high turnover rate, for example by asking employees to complete questionnaires and seeking feedback on a regular basis. Employers who do not address high turnover may be contributing to a toxic workplace by forcing their existing employees to work even harder to make up the shortfall. This leads to burnout and resentment, further exacerbating the vicious cycle of dissatisfaction and turnover.

Burnout and overwork:

Overwork and burnout are clear indicators of a toxic workplace. The continued assumption that employees must work long hours without sufficient support or appreciation can lead to burnout, a decrease in productivity and health problems. Burnout can also occur when individuals are faced with challenging and repetitive problems that can ultimately lead to a spiral of dissatisfaction and stress. Increasing headcount, redistributing workloads fairly or implementing measures to alleviate pressure in the workplace are some of the ways in which companies should proactively address such issues.

Unmotivated employees:

Unmotivated employees often express their dissatisfaction to coworkers, spreading negative feelings that can foster an atmosphere of low morale and burnout among their colleagues. When employees lack motivation, they are less likely to fully engage in their work, resulting in decreased productivity, missed deadlines and poor quality of work. Addressing the root causes of employee demotivation is critical to maintaining a vibrant workplace culture and sustaining high levels of performance and satisfaction.

Amanda Augustine from CVapp.ch reveals her expert advice on how to leave a toxic workplace professionally: "If you are leaving a damaging job, it is important to remain professional at all times, especially if you hope to stay in a similar field of work, as it is likely that your career paths will cross again with your former colleagues in the future. Carefully plan your exit strategy. This should include writing a concise and respectful letter of resignation. Also, adhere to the notice period stipulated in your employment contract, as this demonstrates good manners and allows for a smooth transition of responsibilities. Throughout the termination process, it is important to avoid gossip and negativity within the office. Instead, focus on communicating your feedback in a diplomatic manner with HR while expressing your gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you've gained during your time with the organization. Seeking support from trusted mentors or contacts in your professional network can provide valuable guidance and reassurance during this challenging time."

James Roy, brain expert from Brainworks Neurotherapy, goes on to comment on how a toxic work culture can have a negative impact on employee wellbeing: "The well-being of employees is severely affected by a toxic work culture on several fronts. Firstly, unrealistic workloads and the constant pressure to meet deadlines and performance targets cause employees' stress levels to rise. This chronic stress not only manifests itself in physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and sleep disorders, but can also lead to longer-term psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Negativity in a harmful workplace undermines employees' ability to maintain a positive attitude and derive satisfaction from their work, leading to reduced motivation and engagement. Over time, this emotional distress can affect other areas of life, impacting personal relationships, work-life balance and overall quality of life. In severe situations, prolonged exposure to a harmful job can lead to the development of chronic burnout. A longer recovery period is needed to restore the individual's basic functioning."

Source: www.lebenslaufapp.ch