Toxic environment at work: be aware of the red flags

Posted by Fed Finance in Our employment advice
Posted at 02/02/2024

These days, we spend most of our time in the workplace. It is therefore crucial that this environment is healthy and conducive to personal and professional growth. Unfortunately, not all companies provide a positive atmosphere and often a toxic organisational climate negatively affects employees' physical and mental health, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

There are many consequences of this type of environment in organisations. Let's list a few:

Exhaustion and depression: The high levels of stress and constant pressure to which workers are subjected can lead to mental health problems such as exhaustion and depression.
Low productivity: When employees are unhappy or face constant conflict, their productivity can drop significantly.
High levels of absenteeism: A toxic work environment can lead to high levels of absenteeism, as employees may prefer to take time off rather than face unpleasant situations daily.
Loss of talent and a high level of turnover: Competent employees may leave the company in search of a healthier and more positive environment.
Damage to the company's Employer Branding: A toxic environment can tarnish the company's reputation and jeopardise its ability to attract new talent.

Identifying the "red flags" that indicate the presence of a toxic environment is essential to knowing how to deal with this situation appropriately. Be aware of the most common warning signs:

HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS

If you constantly feel tense and anxious at work, this could be an indication of a toxic environment.

LACK OF HEALTHY COMMUNICATION

When information is not given clearly and loyally, it leads to corridor conversations or even verbal aggression, which can indicate the presence of an unhealthy environment.

LACK OF SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION

Lack of support, particularly from management teams, and recognition for the work done can undermine motivation and cause dissatisfaction.

CONSTANT CONFLICTS

If arguments and conflicts are commonplace in the workplace, this can signal relationship problems and a lack of proper management.

HIGH TURNOVER

If many employees constantly leave the company, this is certainly a strong indication of a toxic environment.

CLIMATE OF UNFAIR COMPETITION

Watch out when employees are encouraged to compete rather than being asked to collaborate.

Dealing with an unsuitable working environment is no easy task, but there are personal strategies that can help minimise its negative effects. If you're living in one of these contexts, follow our tips to avoid being negatively affected.

Set boundaries: Learn to set clear boundaries and try to avoid getting involved in toxic situations. Focus on your responsibilities and your own productivity. Build a support network: Try to be around like-minded work colleagues and make connections with positive and inspiring people.
Invest in self-care: When you live in an unhealthy work environment, it's essential to maintain a self-care routine in your personal life, with practices such as regular exercise, meditation and hobbies that help you relax.
Improve your communication skills: Turn this not-so-good circumstance into an opportunity to develop your communication and conflict resolution skills. This is a great strategy to help you reduce tension and establish positive relationships.
Think of creative solutions: Look for innovative ways to deal with challenges by proposing practical solutions to your managers to minimise the impact of the toxic environment on your day-to-day life.

Although we are encouraged to face and overcome challenges, there are situations in which a change of job may be the healthiest solution. When we start to identify significant impacts on our health, when we no longer identify opportunities for growth in the company, when we don't feel at all aligned with the company's values and there is no progress in solving problems, perhaps the time has come to think about another professional challenge.

If you decide to change job, here are some tips:

Assess your competences and interests to help you find a job that meets your needs;
Build a solid network of contacts to find out about job opportunities and get professional references. LinkedIn is a great tool for this;
Update your CV and online profile to ensure they are up-to-date and optimised to attract the attention of potential employers;
Prepare for interviews by researching the company you're applying to. Going prepared is half the battle to being more confident;
Take care of your well-being by taking your physical and mental health seriously during this transition. Maintain a healthy routine and seek support if necessary;
Contact a recruitment specialist for extra help in reorienting your professional life. In this way, your change of job will certainly be quicker and more successful. If you are a finance or accounting professional, contact Fed Finance Portugal, which provides support for jobseekers in this field;
Keep an eye out for job vacancies in your field on a regular basis. Try to adopt a routine so that you can consult and respond to the various job vacancies that match your interests.

By identifying personal strategies for coping with a toxic environment in your workplace and knowing when it's time to change jobs, you can look for a healthier and more rewarding professional option. Remember that your happiness and well-being are fundamental to your professional success.