How to Identify the Potential of a Toxic Workplace Before You Start Working There || 6 Signs of Toxic Workplaces ??

Dear readers,

It is possible that most of us have come across or even experienced the negative impacts a highly toxic work environment has on employees and their career.

Identifying unhealthy workplace once you are hired may not be a problem, but how could one avoid such a workplace before accepting an offer?

The interview stage is your chance to assess not just the position, but also the organization and its values.

Here are three warning signs that may show that you work in a toxic workplace before you begin your working day.

?? 1. In essence, a bad interview process is likely to be followed by a bad experience at the work place.

Generally, the interview is the first time interacting with a company and if it is disorganized or they show no respect then one is in big trouble.

Board phenomena such as inadequate communication from the side of a recruiter, numerous interviews, and being rejected or completely ignored after showing interest.

All of these can suggest that a company has a poor culture, or is not as cohesive as it should be.

Example: You pass through two tours of interviews and then no contact for weeks. When you follow up, the recruiter apologizes and schedules another round, but it is evident that no one has updated your information internally. This could be indicative of weak internal organization and disregard for the time of candidates.

If you were on the other side as an employee would this same disorganization and disregard occur?

?? Red Flags to Look For:

Pressure is put on the candidate to accept the offer immediately.

Not a specific timing on how interviews will be conducted and what follows after interviews.

Candidates who either do not receive follow-ups or receive them haphazardly from the recruiting or hiring managers.

??? 2. Heed What Workers Do (and Do Not) Speak

Listening to how the current employees of the company refer to the institution especially when asked specific questions can be very helpful when assessing the culture.

It is important to take note and make a note of where their answers are wishy-washy, not direct, or filled with business terminology. It might indicate that the employees are dissatisfied but are either afraid or cannot afford to demonstrate their discontent.

Example: You pose a question to a potential future co-worker, such as, “What is your impression of the team dynamic?” The candidate hesitates, looks around, and then offers a bland response such as, “We accomplish a lot. ” While this might be the truth, it might also mean there are internal tensions or a lack of team synergy.

Don't hesitate to follow up with more pointed questions, like:

“In your opinion, what do you consider being the most entertaining part about working here?”

“Do you recall what happened for the last task that this team was completing and how the issue was dealt with?”

?? Signs to Watch For:

Shy or too formal answers.

The respondent’s reluctance to directly provide specific answers pertaining to the management or the team environment.

Employees’ complaints or dissatisfaction manifested when asked questions such as their job description or how busy they are.

?? 3. One thing that may tip off an outsider that things are not well in an organization with high turnover of employees is the fact that it is high.

It is normal to have certain degree of turnover because we all look forward to a change of job occasionally; however, an extremely high turnover rate may mean that employees of an organization are not inspired or motivated to work for the organization.

If the same job offer is repeatedly advertised, or multiple positions are currently available within the same department, this may be a sign that something is wrong with the organization, for instance, bad management, lack of finances or staff-burnout.

Example: You are applying for a mid level position, but you find that the same job is repeated after some months. Little research work later you discover that the last person who occupied the position resigned after only six months at work. This could mean that the position is either not well outlined, or invulnerable or perhaps there is a deeper issue at large with the company.

?? What to Look For:

Serial applications for the same job within a short span.

Constant change of staff especially in major leadership or management responsibility.

Having more open positions than one would expect, given the size of the organization

Conclusion:

It of course is impossible to know every detail about the place you are about to work at, but paying attention to these signs will certainly help you make a wiser choice. This is unfortunate, because toxic work environment is not only detrimental to the physical and mental health of workers, but also to their employability. Follow your gut, be as inquisitive as possible and never hesitate to leave the scene whatever the situation may be.

And in the long run it is always better to gain a job in a company that has similar values with you and where you are respected and supported.

Work smart and create your own demand by seeking new challenges and opportunities in the working world.

Aashish Singhal

Founder, Navigating Leadership with The Financial Soul

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