Sure, work is work, and there are some days that are going to be longer and more tiresome than others, but when and where do workplace requirements cross the line?
Do you get a lunch break, or are you required to eat your bagged lunch from your desk every day? Do you cringe when the supervisor walks into the room? Is your creative autonomy being stripped because you are falling into line with a role that demands so much of you?
Welcome to the toxic workplace.
Sometimes, you may just grin and bear it through a rough patch. But chronic workplace toxicity can truly be detrimental to one's growth individually and overall. Here are 4 telltale signs of a toxic workplace to watch out for:
Beware Of The Vain Supervisor
Narcissism is all too often cloaked in the characteristics most often associated with leadership... However, beware of the bully-boss who swears he/she can do no wrong. It’s terrifying how many textbook narcissists can rise into the highest positions of power in today’s world (sound familiar?).
A vain and narcissistic leader tends to believe the rules don’t apply to them — and see no issue in demanding near-perfection from others, despite not meeting those high standards themselves.
They love being reaffirmed and told they’re correct, but see disagreement as defection. You’re either with them, or you’re against them. And there is no in-between.
Do not mistake bullying in the workplace by a supervisor, co-worker, or -- anyone for that matter, as leadership. It is not.
Absence Of Communication And Understanding
Do you know what's expected of you? Do you have a clear understanding on how your performance will be measured? Or are you stuck in a constant windstorm, trying to get your bearings?
When you aren’t clear on how your performance will be measured, you’re already set up to fail. When there’s little transparency and communication about objectives in an organization, it’s almost impossible for a mutually respectful, trusting relationship to flourish.
Is Your Workplace As Unfair As Staged Wrestling?
OK, let's turn this into a hypothetical scenario: When person A gets scolded for the same behavior that gets person B promoted, it feels like there’s no clear rubric for advancement, and it creates a sense of favoritism among employees.
Are you dealing with a certain inconsistency in the rulebook that is starting to drive you crazy?
When the boss lays down rules that he/she doesn't apple to everyone in the room, and/or doesn’t bother adhering to them him/herself, it’s actually more about commanding obedience, exerting power, and maintaining a sense of control than observing a consistent workplace.
Spreading Sickness
It's actually true -- stress can REALLY make you sick! And when you're constantly in the presence of a stressful and toxic environment, there's no telling the fatigue, burnout, and straight up illness you will come in contact with. Check this video out:
when you’re stressed, your body releases more of the hormones cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine.
- Adrenaline speeds up your heart rate and can raise blood pressure.
- Cortisol causes changes in the blood vessels that can, over time, increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Meanwhile, the brain relays the stress signals to the gut, which changes up its routine to allow your body to focus on the stressor. This is what’s behind that “butterflies in the stomach” feeling... but, over time, can also lead to complications such as digestive problems and immune deficiencies. Don't let yourself succumb to sickness due to work.
Remember, the best way to escape a toxic workplace is to never enter one to begin with. Do your due diligence to interview the company you’re considering joining, and watch out for these warning signs during the interview process.
If you’re already in a toxic workplace, actively establish healthy boundaries to protect your time and create space for you to pursue your own priorities (namely, finding a better place to work). Don't fall into the trap.