14 Indicators that Point to Being Stuck in an Unhealthy Work Environment

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Are you feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled in your job?

Do your coworkers constantly ramble about office politics, or perhaps the work culture itself has become toxic due to clashing personalities?

If so, there are some signs that can help you identify whether or not it’s time to move on from your current work environment.

We’ll discuss 14 indicators that point to being stuck in an unhealthy work environment, from entrenched bureaucracy and lack of growth opportunities to mistrust amongst colleagues.

With a better understanding of what these indicators look like, you can decide if it’s time for a fresh start somewhere new.

1. High Turnover Rate

According to one poster, it is a red flag if new faces keep appearing in your new job.

“If employees are hard to retain and you frequently see new coworkers,” warns the commenter. “you are working at a toxic place.”

2. Not Appreciated

There is nothing worse than getting in trouble for the one mistake you make while at the same time, never getting congratulated for all the good things you do.

While most people don’t need a celebration every time they do good, it is nice to be acknowledged every once in a while.

3. Gossip Culture

I once heard that toxic people reveal themselves when they talk about others. There will always be office gossip, though some are less conspicuous about their gripes with coworkers and will talk some colleagues down.

An employee warns that the office gossip who talks about others will do the same to you “when you aren’t around.”

4. Blue Mondays

“When you’re crying on your way to work,” says a female worker. This scenario is a red flag for employees, but it is time to consider a new path if your work affects your mental health.

“I used to sit in the parking lot and cry in my car before going to my last workplace,” agrees another unfulfilled soul.

5. That Awkward Silence

“Being quiet when certain people enter the office” is the first pick of the thread. Michael Scott’s relationship with H.R. killjoy Toby comes to mind with this trope, but we’ve all experienced the office ‘Karen.’

Sometimes, they are just difficult personalities; other times, they are just time vampires. “Oh man, the one person that tells the boss everyone’s secrets,” adds another familiar person. I hear you.

6. Micromanagers

“I left a job after a few months because of micromanagement,” shares a relieved worker. “I always thought that Office Space consultant scene was a hyperbolic joke until I actually had four people breathing down my neck several times a week.”

Ironically for control freaks, studies show that people with moderately cognitive jobs are more productive when given autonomy. 

7. The ’60 Minutes’ Feeling

Many employees hate that feeling on a Sunday when they dread what is around the corner — the few hours until you press a shirt, pack your work bag and await the Monday alarm clock.

“I call it the ’60 Minutes feeling’,” says a commenter. “When I was a kid, my parents watched the show 60 Minutes, which was on Sunday evenings.”

8. Overtime for No Pay

Another observer states when “working many hours overtime each week is expected even though you are salary,” it may be time to move on.

Any worker should expect to cover extra hours sometimes, but not to the point of exploitation.

9. Mediocre Performance Reviews

“Giving you mediocre performance reviews even though they praise you and don’t have any feedback on how to get a higher score,” declares an underappreciated worker.

Nothing shouts nasty boss more than giving a bad or underwhelming performance review. They usually come without warning, with no prior mention of the discrepancies. 

10. Horrible Bosses

It is the most obvious one, but we have all had the mini-dictator at work. One fleeing worker, safe with a new job after handing in notice, explains how her boss was.

“When I knew I was leaving, I was very vocal about the pay increase at my new job,” she recalls. “After I left, he gave everyone an extra dollar an hour.” 

11. Playing Favorites

This one is mine. I have worked in environments where the boss is close friends with staff members.

Not that bosses shouldn’t have friends at work, but it’s hard to take when those friends get benefits like extra ‘professional development’ or personal days, better offices, or kinder working schedules. 

12. Thinking Twice Before Talking to Human Resources

Human resources are supposed to be there to support issues that you don’t feel comfortable discussing with your manager.

But when you are in an environment where you know you can’t talk to HR for fear of retaliation, you know you are in a toxic environment.

From passive aggressive behavior from co-workers, lack of acknowledgement from leadership for effort put in, hostility lurking around corners or even struggles finding purposeful conversations at all, these ten red flags can help identify if and when workplace toxicity has become too much.

13. Conflicting Instructions

Have you ever found yourself in a frustrating situation where your boss gives you conflicting instructions or makes requests that seem impossible to fulfill? 

If this is an all-too-familiar scenario for you, it might be a sign that you need to consider a change and explore new opportunities that align better with your goals and aspirations. 

Remember, your professional growth and fulfillment are worth prioritizing!

14. Co-Workers Ask For Help, But Never Return The Favor

Do you often find yourself being asked to help your co-workers with tasks and assignments, but when it’s your turn to ask for assistance they never return the favor?

This type of unprofessional behavior should not be tolerated. 

If this has become a frequent occurrence and is causing you undue stress, then it may be time to look for other job opportunities that offer more satisfying and meaningful work.

It is important to set boundaries and make sure that you are being treated with the respect and consideration that you deserve.

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This thread inspired this post.