This kind of environment doesn't work.
Experts reveal red flags that indicate a toxic office culture – and how to avoid such workplaces.
According to Nina Nesdry, a work stress and prevention expert from Ottawa, Canada, there are five characteristics of a toxic work environment that includes cutthroat or unethical behavior.
Speaking to South West News Service, Nesdoly, 31, referenced the MIT Sloan Management Review, which identified “five signs” of a toxic workplace, according to an extensive analysis of Glassdoor reviews.
“These were disrespectful, non-inclusive, unethical actions, corrupt actions and abuse,” she told SWNS.
To identify and avoid these undesirable workplaces, Nesdoly said read company employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor to glean an understanding of office culture.
“As examples of non-inclusive environments, we look for examples of nepotism, ageism, racial inequality, etc.,” she explained.
When an applicant reaches the job interview stage of the hiring process, the prospective worker should prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Nesdry recommended asking about the environment and work/life balance.
“Third, when the interviewer asks how you manage stress, state what you're looking for,” she said.
“If you say work hard, play hard, you're going to be there 75 hours a week, throw all your needs out the window. Go out, ask for help, family.” It causes stress by connecting with
However, if you find that your employees are already in a suboptimal situation at work, Nesdoly recommended two different solutions depending on the scenario.
“Identify the characteristics of the toxicity and see if it's a toxicity you're dealing with or an element of a high workload or elements that need to be addressed,” she says, adding that talking to your boss or someone in HR is a good idea. It added that this is the next practical step.
“If you can control these things and get a useful response, you can stay in that environment and make those changes.”
But if you're not in control, getting help, or receiving a response, if you can't “tolerate it,” it's best to start looking for something new, she says. I continued.
“The best thing to do is look for another role, hang up your resume, and keep your head down for as long as you need to be in that environment,” Nesdry recommended.
“Ultimately, if there's nothing in your control, it's going to come down to a change in role.”
