Red flags are not just reserved for personal relationships — they can show up in the workplace, too! Here is what to look out for.
Ever worked for a boss who thought a pizza party could fix everything, even rage and public humiliation? Perhaps you’re familiar with an environment where birthdays, family dinners and weekends were sacrificed for constant “just one more thing” demands, and saying “no” simply wasn’t an option if you valued your job? Or where even HR had enough and walked out?
Toxic environments like these don’t just breed negativity, stress, anxiety and conflict, they thrive on them — they instantly ruin a good mood, drain self-confidence and take a serious toll, often leading straight to burnout. Sub-ideal, to say the least.
Sadly, toxic workplaces are more common than you might think. And no amount of empty promotion promises can undo the damage they cause to your mental health. In Rising Above a Toxic Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment, co-author Gary Chapman says it best: “When a workplace becomes toxic, its poison spreads beyond its walls and into the lives of its workers and their families.” How do you spot the warning signs of a toxic workplace — and can you do anything about them?
Living on the edge
While red flags can vary from workplace to workplace, one constant is that employees are always on edge. There’s a lingering fear of making the wrong move or speaking up, even though your opinion is almost certainly part of why you were hired. Worst of all is when this hostile atmosphere becomes so normalised that no one questions it anymore.
Glamourising hustle culture
Companies or leaders who glamourise the lack of a work-life balance scream toxic. In these kinds of environments, calls and emails after hours are the norm, and overtime is expected without warning, pay or appreciation. Personal lives? Basically non-existent. Employees who overextend themselves are praised — at least at first — while those who set boundaries tend to be shamed. Toxic overworking culture turns sick days and vacations into signs of weakness instead of the essential recharge that they are.
No-one’s speaking up
A major red flag is poor communication — or, even worse, the total absence of it. In toxic workplaces, decisions are often made unilaterally by someone with a my-way-or-the-highway mindset, leaving no space for feedback or collaboration. These individuals rely only on verbal instructions, conveniently avoiding paper trails to easily shift blame when things go wrong. When conflict arises, it is rarely addressed. Instead, it’s met with passive-aggressive behaviour or brushed off as insubordination, leaving issues to fester.
Uncertainty is a sure thing
In toxic workplaces, clarity is hard to come by — whether around company policies, job responsibilities or something as basic as taking a lunch break. Employees are pushed to hit unrealistic targets, teams compete instead of collaborating, and promotions and raises are a mystery no one can decode. management often acts unpredictably, adding to the chaos. In environments where red flags are the norm, employees aren’t seen as people – they’re just numbers fueling a system obsessed with monthly targets and indifferent to burnout, making you feel powerless.
Your body keeps the score
One thing you can always count on is your body’s response. If your shoulders tense or your stomach twists the moment someone walks into the office, that’s not just stress — it’s your body waving a red flag, warning you that something in your environment isn’t right.
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Someone else can do your job, but you’re irreplaceable
“There were also multiple ways of earning an income that didn’t pose a threat to my well-being,” writes Elelwani Anita Ravhuhali in Sometimes It’s Your Workplace, “But there weren’t various options to choose from when it came to life. I simply had one life, and it was up to me to create great experiences for myself.” Take this powerful reminder that while jobs come and go, your well-being is non-negotiable. Luckily, you can take steps to protect yourself and reclaim your space.
Begin by addressing a toxic environment by setting firm, respectful boundaries. This might mean not responding to calls or emails after hours, calmly confronting conflicts when they arise, and involving HR if the issue can’t be resolved directly. It’s also smart to follow up any verbal instructions with a quick email — nothing avoids a messy “he said, she said” like a clear paper trail. If your attempts to make your work experience a little healthier aren’t met with the same energy from co-workers and employers, it may be time to start polishing your CV and applying elsewhere.
Shall we move on?
In a healthy environment, boundaries are respected, communication is transparent and leadership holds itself accountable. Employees are supported, trusted and encouraged to take time off without guilt. Collaboration is valued over competition and feedback is handled with respect. most importantly, people feel safe, seen and empowered to do their best work — all without sacrificing their overall well-being. Once you get through this — and you will get through it — remember these points as you make your way up the corporate ladder. They can help you be an empathetic leader who advocates for the healthy workplace you once needed.
By: Nelleke Van Niekerk
Photography by: Getty Images
Text courtesy of Balanced Life magazine
Also read: Tips for fuel career ambitions
