Is Your Workplace Culture Toxic?
You’ve been looking for work. You get through the interview process and land your dream job. Or so you thought. Two months into the job, you’re miserable and wondering how your take on the culture was wrong. The workplace is toxic, and you want out.
What makes a culture toxic? Often the company promotes unhealthy work-life boundaries. For example, managers who expect employees to stay late, respond to emails after hours, or complete work on weekends.
Researchers analyzed 1.4 million Glassdoor reviews from nearly 600 major U.S. companies and found that employees describe toxic workplaces in five ways: non-inclusive, disrespectful, unethical, cutthroat, and abusive.
What red flags should you look for?
High employee turnover could indicate underlying company culture, management, or work environment issues.
Negative employee reviews, mainly related to poor management, lack of support, or work-life balance matters, should raise concerns.
A lack of transparency could suggest that a company is unwilling to provide clear information about its culture, employee support programs, or work-life balance initiatives, indicating a lack of commitment.
Limited or no focus on professional growth, training programs, or career advancement opportunities may signal that employee development or support is not a priority.
An overly competitive or cutthroat atmosphere will likely negatively impact collaboration, teamwork, and employee well-being.
Unrealistic expectations, excessive workload, or a lack of consideration for work-life balance may indicate a challenging work environment.
Signs that a Company Cares About Employees
Assess work-life balance initiatives by inquiring about policies and practices related to work-life balance during the interview process. Ask about flexible working hours, remote work options, vacation policies, and how the company supports employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Pay attention to your gut feelings during interviews and interactions with company representatives. Do you feel valued, heard, and respected? Consider your overall impression of the company's values and culture; feeling appreciated can significantly impact your job satisfaction and well-being.
Look for companies with low turnover and positive employee reviews. Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn can provide valuable insights into what current and former employees have to say about their experiences working at the company.
Questions to Ask During the Interview:
How does the company support work-life balance for employees?
Whose management style here do you admire and why?
How does the company invest in employee development and growth?
Are there any wellness or well-being initiatives in place for employees?
Is there a program that recognizes and rewards employee contributions?
How does the company handle feedback and communication between managers and employees?
What measures does the company take to ensure a healthy work environment?
Can you describe the company's diversity, inclusion, and employee support approach?
Researching and evaluating a company's culture, management style, and work-life balance takes some work and a little sleuthing. But digging deeper and asking the right questions may help you decide whether a company aligns with your needs and values.
Need help? Talk with a Life Working® Job Search, Interview, and Resume Coach. If you need advice about career choices or resumes, check out Life Working® career coaching services, resumes & writing services, and schedule your free 30-minute consultation.