Have you ever recognised the warning signs that a company’s culture is toxic from the start yet overlooked them? Stress, exhaustion, and a lack of confidence can all rise in toxic societies, which can have a severe effect on mental health.
In today’s competitive job market, landing an interview can be a significant milestone. However, it’s equally important to assess the company’s culture during the interview process. A toxic work environment can lead to dissatisfaction and eventually even burnout. Recognising red flags early on can help you avoid potential pitfalls and find a workplace where you can thrive.
Thankfully, there are methods for spotting them before it’s too late.
A significant portion of respondents (19%) to the 2023 Work in America Survey stated that their workplace was extremely or somewhat toxic. Unsurprisingly, a majority of respondents (76%) who reported working in a toxic workplace also stated that their work environment negatively impacts their mental well-being.
Workers who provided client, customer, or patient services were more likely than office workers to describe their work environment as “toxic”. Moreover, employees who work in person had a higher likelihood of reporting a toxic workplace compared to those who work entirely remotely.
A toxic culture: What is it?
Toxic societies are characterised by 5 characteristics: they are abusive, ruthless, cutthroat, unethical, and disrespectful. When you’re already employed, it is usually easy to distinguish between a poisonous or “me” culture and a collaborative or “we” culture. The difficulty is, however, how to notice these behaviours before the interview process so that you can avoid the organisation in the first place. Three warning signs are outlined by the Harvard Business Review to help you avoid entering a toxic job.
- Bad interview process
When you think back on your previous employment experiences, you can notice that the interview process frequently gives you a good indication of the culture of the organisation. It’s critical to observe the interviewer’s demeanour and the general tone of the conversation. Any unprofessional behaviour, including rude remarks, disarray, or a lack of civility, could be a sign of a toxic work environment.
Furthermore, the interviewer-interaction process could reveal information about the company’s ideals. Red signals include communicating poorly, adjusting requirements mid-process, being pushy, and showing disrespect for your schedule. Seeing the interviewer’s reactions to inquiries concerning timeliness, expectations, and values is also fascinating. Irregular or impractical answers may point to difficulties you could face if you were hired.
- What current workers say—and don’t say
There are several methods for learning what staff members think of a business. The first step is to look up the business on websites like Glassdoor. Pay attention to employee reviews, particularly if they draw attention to high turnover rates, bad management, or a poisonous work environment.
Recurrently unfavourable comments may be a serious warning sign. Asking the staff members during the interview process is the second method. Recall that this is your opportunity to test them as much as it is theirs. Never hesitate to ask questions that are significant to you. You may find information about work-life balance, turnover rates, and culture and values.
Studies indicate that “most individuals who are still employed won’t be candid, but you can study and read between the lines of what they say and don’t say”. Remarks such as “the organisation is flat” or “we believe in employees owning their own career development” are examples of red flags that point to inadequate career support. Ask more insightful inquiries to obtain a greater understanding.
Getting in touch with people you know who work for the organisation is the third and best option to find out more about the employee experience. Current employees can be found on LinkedIn, and if they are in your network, you can even get in touch with them.
- Elevated rates of turnover
Finding out that the majority of interviewers have only been with the organisation for a few months is one telltale sign of a hostile workplace. To obtain a sense of the turnover rate, you might ask them how long they have been employed there. While a high number of job postings may be a sign of the company’s growth, they may also point to a high turnover rate brought on by toxic relationships. Inquire about the reason for the job’s availability as well, such as employee development, reorganisation, resignation, or layoffs.
During the interview process, it is critical to recognise a toxic environment to protect your professional well-being. This can be achieved by doing your homework on the business, posing meaningful questions, and being aware of small clues. Trust your gut if you begin to feel anxious throughout the interview. Keep in mind that a job interview is a time for you to assess the possible employer as well as for the employer to assess you. A rewarding and healthy career might result from making decisions that are well-informed and based on these criteria.
Prioritising personal growth over a paycheck
Discovering the ideal place of employment involves more than simply getting paid; it also entails finding a caring and encouraging atmosphere where you can develop and flourish. You can identify warning signs that might point to a poisonous workplace culture by following your gut, listening actively to the stories told during the interview, and paying attention to how you’re treated.
Recall that you are in charge of deciding where you work. Refuse to live in a poisonous atmosphere that saps your vitality and degrades your health. Instead, aim for a job where you can actually thrive and where you are valued and respected for who you are.
(Tashia Bernardus)