Signs of a Toxic Work Environment: Is It Time to Leave Your Hostile Workplace?

While we all dream of one day having the perfect job, sadly, this isn’t the case for many of us. Unfortunately, more and more people are stuck in toxic work environments. Such places cause detrimental psychological and physical effects for both employees and employers.

According to the SHRM Global Culture Research Report 2022, 51% of US workers consider quitting their job at one time or another. Out of this percentage, 90% do so because they regard their organization as having a poor work culture.

The numbers are more significant for UK employees, according to Culture Shift, where 61% opt for long-term leaves from their jobs due to experiencing toxic workplace behaviors.

Employees who stay are at a higher risk of developing burnout syndrome.

If you’re reading this article, you might be concerned that you are employed at such a workplace. It might be possible if you're feeling exhausted, unappreciated, and maybe fearful, too — enough to make you want to quit.

You may wonder, what exactly a toxic work environment is? And how can you spot one? If so, you are in the right place.

This article will help you learn how to recognize the signs of a toxic work environment, a toxic culture, and a hostile workplace to help you decide what to do about it.

What Is A Toxic Work Environment?

Experiencing work-related anxiety after having a relaxing weekend is not an unusual occurrence. 

The Monday morning dread happens to all of us from time to time. What is not normal is finding yourself stuck in a cycle of anxiety. All day, every day.

In simpler words, a professional setting that makes one feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed. Primarily due to the presence of a negative atmosphere created by employers, coworkers, or both.

From this toxic work environment definition, it is easier to conclude that the phenomenon focuses on external events and the internal state of a person experiencing those events.

However, before we discuss the psychological implications of toxic work environments, you need to know the signs of a toxic workplace.

Toxic Workplace Signs to Watch For

When it comes to toxic work environments, issues can be at an individual or departmental level, or they can be more widespread at the cultural level.

For example, you may deal with unprofessionalism showcased by individuals associated directly with you, such as an unappreciative team lead or a manager with poor leadership skills. Or there may be conflicts between departments that make working effectively as a team nearly impossible. In situations like these, the first line of defense would be to seek assistance from human resources or a superior.

Things get more serious when a workplace is dominated by behaviors, management practices, and policies (whether formal or informal) that perpetuate conflicts and unhealthy habits within a company. 

Toxic work cultures include systemic unethical behaviors, interwoven into the day-to-day workings and practiced by the majority around a company. Sometimes the culture comes from the top leadership, and others, it may be limited to departments or specific groups of people. When the toxicity is at the cultural level, it can be more difficult to combat because persons of authority condone the behaviors.

Some signs are prevalent enough to spot when a workplace is toxic, even when interviewing for a new job. The more severe the conditions, especially when it is a matter of culture, the more prominent red flags become.

Some of the most common toxic work environment signs include:

• Lack of clarity in communicating workplace expectations, duties, and deadlines.
• Passive aggressive or defensive response to critique.
• Unmotivated, gossiping cliques that promote the exclusion of certain individuals while favoring others.
• Presence of unethical behaviors such as disrespect, unfairness, non-inclusiveness, discrimination, and hostility.
• Absence of skilled leaders who are responsible, able to delegate, and establish healthy working environments.
• Unestablished personal boundaries that require individuals to be available for work during their off hours.
• Diminished opportunities for professional growth.
• High turnover rate due to low job satisfaction.
• High burnout rate due to work-related stress.

Though the signs of a toxic workplace might take time to unfold, they can soon turn to emotional and, in some cases, physical hostility. When that happens, it only becomes a matter of time before a toxic workplace turns into a hostile work environment. 

What is a Hostile Work Environment?

The definition of a hostile work environment is a matter of extremes.

According to IGI Global, a hostile workplace exists when the prevalence of discrimination is unlawfully abusive or intimidating to a reasonable individual in a working space, especially to cause unreasonable interference in their personal or professional life.

This hostile work environment definition has a lot of "legalese." To simplify, what constitutes hostile work environments are acts of harassment and discrimination that are illegal according to state laws. Depending upon the severity, workplace bullying may not qualify as "hostile" and may not be a chargeable offense under hostile work environment statutes.

Some hostile work environment examples include: 

• Physical, psychological, and monetary harassment or violence;
• Discrimination based on gender, race, disability, etc.; and
• Unlawful denial of promotion opportunities.

Why Are Hostile and Toxic Work Environments Bad For You?

Be it a toxic or hostile workplace, both are bound to produce long-term detrimental effects on an individual's psychological and physical well-being. Too much stress can definitely make you sick.

The effects usually start with feelings of exhaustion and irritability. However, with repeated exposure to one’s toxic workplace — especially if it’s part of the culture — the symptoms worsen. Soon enough, they manifest as demotivation, unproductivity, and even anger.

With time, stress also takes a toll on an individual's body. Without intervention, it creates havoc by leading to emotional burnout. Career trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder can also arise in situations that include an extremely hostile work environment.

If you have been experiencing symptoms, take our burnout test to assess the severity.

What To Do About A Toxic Workplace?

Timely action is necessary.

It is always helpful to spot signs of a toxic or hostile workplace. For that, it is vital to acknowledge when something feels wrong.

However, sometimes, one cannot spot signs of a toxic workplace and might require some help. This is especially true for people who are either too shy to speak up or have previously been in unhealthy environments. For the latter, what may seem like obvious signs that something is wrong may feel like the norm.

Believe Your Gut Feeling

If you feel that something is off, believe it. When it comes to your gut showing you toxic workplace signs, you need to see them.

Speak Up

As a part of an organization, one has the right to make themselves feel heard. The best way to do that is to initiate a talk with the individual involved. If that does not work, then make your way to human resources.

Know the Difference Between Hostile and Toxic Workplace

Various examples of hostile work environments might sometimes overlap with those of toxic ones. The former allows an individual to take legal action according to an area's hostile work environment laws.

Legal action may become necessary when informal and internal measures do not work. Hence, it is crucial to understand what work harassment and discrimination are.

Take a Step Back When Needed

Life is full of opportunities. Many of which give utter importance to one's well-being. When your work jeopardizes your emotional or physical health, it is vital to determine how long you should stay in such a toxic environment.

It all comes down to what one can deal with. If you can "leave work at work" and have a good life balance, that can significantly mediate the negative impact of stress.

Yet, if leaving is the option, then it is always better to opt for it. Want to make sure the next job is the right one? Consider taking our career interest assessment!

How To Recover After Leaving?

The more support you have, the better.

• Take some time off; you deserve a break.
• Opt for therapeutic services from professionals.
• Enroll in a workplace training session to better understand a healthy work environment.
• Research how to deal with workplace bullying, unethical behaviors, and poor management.
• Before your next interview, ensure you know the signs of a toxic workplace that you can pinpoint immediately.
• Lastly, pat yourself on the back for making it through a tough time.