Symptoms of a Toxic Workplace

A toxic workplace is everyone's nightmare. It's a place where no one trusts each other, and fear is everywhere. 

Can you identify the symptoms? 

 

Three signs you're not in a toxic workplace:

1. You did not get the promotion.

In some instances, not getting a promotion could be a sign of a toxic workplace. For instance, if you think the employer promoted another person because of discrimination, then it is a symptom. 

However, if the management chose another person due to seniority or other reasons such as performance, work ethic, or results, then it simply means you were not the best person for the role. 

 

2. You dislike your assignments.

All workers have received dull, tiresome, or difficult assignments. It is, however, not a sign of a toxic workplace. It just means that you dislike some of your responsibilities or tasks. 

If this isn't a recurring theme, the best course of action is to deal with it, as long as you're satisfied with the rest of your role. But, if it is turning into a pattern, then it may be time to find a new position, either within your company or another one. 

 

3. Annoying colleagues.

Do you have a colleague that cannot stop talking to you? Or do you know the one with an annoying habit? There may also be a coworker that seeks your attention all the time.

Again, everyone deals with annoying colleagues sometimes. If you do, you better subset it with other coworkers whom you get along with. However, if your annoying coworkers are just slightly annoying, it does not make the workplace toxic. 

 

Now, onto the real signs of a toxic office:

 

Three symptoms of a toxic workplace:

1. The management promotes a culture of fear and distrust.

It is not easy to identify, but you tend to get a clue if and when the leadership perpetuates a culture of distrust. For example, they introduced invasive work policies and are actively monitoring employees via CCTVs, which you feel was personal.

Though this practice is legal in Malaysia, it does not necessarily mean it isn't harmful to the workplace's culture and employees' morale. Not many people like to be watched all the time when working. 

 

2. Workplace bullying.

Do your manager or colleagues like to put you down? Do they yell or shout at you in front of your coworkers? Do they belittle your suggestions and make fun of you? Workplace bullying could also include issues that are not related to work.

 

These are the signs of workplace bullying. Whether it comes from a person or more, it is a very upsetting situation to be in. You feel unwanted and unwelcome. This is a sign of a toxic workplace. 

 

3. Workplace discrimination and harassment.

In Malaysia, the law on workplace discrimination is still in its infancy. Regardless, an employer should never tolerate discrimination, which includes:

• Hiring, promoting and firing decisions,

• Verbal and physical abuse, and others.

If the above happens in your workplace, it's a clear symptom that your office is a highly toxic one. You do not want to be a part of this culture.

 

One must understand the difference between an unpleasant workplace and a toxic one. Though you do not want to find yourself in either workplace, toxic workplace is most likely to affect your mental and physical health. It's critical for you to leave ASAP. While not enjoyable, an unpleasant workplace is not an emergency situation.