Signs Your Workplace Is Toxic

Nothing is ever perfect.

And while it can be difficult to admit if your workplace environment is an issue, it’s the first step to change. Only by acknowledging the flaws of ourselves and our situations, can one move forward in a productive and conducive manner.  

Every situation is difficult, and these examples are just a few isolated events that occur frequently in the workplaces that benefit from our assistance. Your workplace may have many of these traits or none, but either way, it’s always worth deeply analysing the position of your work – for the sake and benefit of your employees and the stability of the business.

1)    Zero Progression

Your employees want to grow. They should be encouraged to grow. However, it should be at a pace they want to grow at and in a direction, they want to grow in.

Not offering your staff the chance to update their skills, strive for a promotion, or take a leap in a new direction is debilitating and limits your employees and what your business can achieve.

By not believing in your employees, you’re not believing in your business.

2)    A fearful energy

You can usually sense the environment of an office as you step in. If the energy in an office gives you a negative gut reaction, or you feel as though the employees have little to no positive interaction with each other, then this is a cause of concern.

A huge part of what makes people enjoy their working environment is the people who they work with. Colleagues don’t distract your employees but keep them motivated and positive.

3)    Shouting tactics

If you discipline your employees by shouting at them, then this is a major red flag. Shouting at anyone, let alone a grown employee is an incredibly stark way to expose negativity in your workplace.

Having a responsible, fair, and calm conversation with your employees is one of the minimum shreds of respect that they deserve. If your management resorts to shouting at employees, then they need to be trained to reform this.

4)    High turnaround rate

If your employees don’t last in your workspace for more than a few months or a year, then you may have a problem.

It typically takes employees around six months to fully settle into a new working environment, if they’re leaving before that or not long after it, then they aren’t the problem.

For a productive and profitable workplace, there should be a range of employees. People who feel safe and comfortable, and willing wish to dedicate their working hours to you.

5)    No work-life balance

A work-life balance is fundamental to the mental, physical, and social health of any human.

If your employees are dedicating the entirety of their time working (whether in the office or at home), then this is an issue.

Employers should encourage their employees to take their holiday, clock out on time, turn off emails at home, and keep their work to their hours only. If this isn’t currently the case in your office, then you may have an issue with expectations and fairness.

If any of these points resonate, then don’t fear – it can be fixed. Visit the OH One website for more details.