5 Signs Your Office is Toxic (and what to do about it) IM HIRED

5 Signs Your Office is Toxic (and what to do about it) A toxic office can affect more than just your career. So its vital to spot the signs of an office that is on the downturn, knowing when its time to get out. Poor management, lack of communication and high turnover should all be red flags and spotting them quickly is essential. Below are the 5 key signs your office is toxic and what you can do to change things. The Office Gossip Were you told by your mum if you have nothing nice to say, you should say nothing at all? Well, when it comes to a toxic work environment that rule is thrown out the window. But the hardest part is no one is direct, its all whispers in the corridor, secret conversations behind closed doors and alliances forming. Everyone is airing their grievances but no action is being taken. Its basically a version of Chinese whispers and if youre last in line, the picture your given is much worse than the reality. So what can you do? Remove yourself. The best thing to do in a toxic chain of conversation, is get out. The more involved you become the more twisted your view of your employer/ office will become. So stick to your own opinions and consider the facts. Others opinions shouldnt make you leave an employer. But taking their advice and making an informed decision based on whats actually happening in your workplace is key. Remember just because someone says the company is going downhill, doesnt make it true. Everyone is leaving When the boat is sinking you get out, and that also goes for a toxic work environment. Whether your colleagues are being asked to leave or handing in their notices on mass its that feeling you should be next. You know things have gone from bad to worse, when people seem to just disappear without a trace. No one is sticking around for a goodbye. If the company turnover is at an all-time high and nothing seems to be being done about it, reflect on how much you can influence a change. If there is nothing you can do, then it might be time to consider other employment opportunities. Should you stay or should you go? If everyone is taking off, you need to look around and decide if whats left is worth staying for. A new cohort could bring around a positive change but theres no guarantee that the revolving door is going to stop. Consider whats best for you and if things are getting better, get out. Motivation left the office We all have those days where you just cant find the motivation to get the job done. Usually its just a faze but a toxic environment can make this feeling linger. The ability to do a good job, starts with enthusiasm and passion, but a negative workplace can easily destroy your motivation. With workplace stress affecting 59% of employees, having another bad day can have more serious implications than just falling behind with your workload. Health above work Your health is important so if a job is affecting your mental health, make sure to prioritise yourself. Getting out of a toxic environment can make a huge improvement to your overall positivity and in turn your health. Communication has stopped There can be something much worse than just negative office gossip and thats no communication at all. A toxic office will cut off all forms of communication, meaning you are unaware of company updates, changes or are kept out of the loop of the office goings on. It might start as an oversight by management but if youre asking for updates and theres still radio silence then something much bigger is going on. Alarm bells should be ringing when your one to ones are cancelled, there is no company communication platforms, no go to forums or youre just expected to get your head down. If youre feeling like you shouldnt question anything, then consider why everyone is so secretive. How can you get the conversation started? Dont be afraid to ask. Point out the lack of communication and support a change. But dont be naive, if they arent willing to open up and listen, you might be better elsewhere. Leaders or Dictators? A strong leader will lead by example. Supporting their team to be the best and being open to employee feedback. But these types of leaders are hard to find in a toxic office. Negative environments are where dictators not leaders shine. Look out for management that is unwilling to change and adapt. Be cautious of managers who lead through fear instead of encouragement. A manager should be there to serve you, not put unrealistic pressure on you. How to tell the difference? The differences are clear between these two types of managers and a bad boss is the biggest reason why people leave their job. So, make sure you have a manager who sees your worth and potential and accept nothing less.