There are few things
that make a job more unbearable than working in a toxic workplace, a place you
dread to go to every day, that brings out anxiety every Sunday evening, and
that leaves you feeling drained and run down rather than energized and
enthused.
Of course, once we’re
in a toxic workplace we usually recognize it right away, and if we have some
savings built up or a new job offer, we can move on.
However, the best way
to avoid working in a toxic workplace is to avoid taking the job in the first
place. Here are a few ways to determine if the company you’re thinking of
applying to, or accepting a job at, is, in fact, toxic.
Negative reviews.
Research the company to see what people are saying about it. Use Google and
search Twitter feeds to learn more about the company and how customers
experience it and what employees and former employees have to say. Glassdoor is a good resource to get a
sense for the reputation of a company among its workers.
Recent layoffs or high
turnover. Search the news to learn about recent layoffs at the company and to
see if there is a pattern of downsizing. Companies that go through frequent
restructuring patterns often have employees with low morale because they fear
they could be the next to go.
Negative comments
about others. Does the company publicly make negative comments about other
brands or businesses? Or have you seen the leadership from the company use
social media to attack others? If so, these can be clues to stay away. The
company might be led by individuals who think bullying is the way to achieve
their goals. When you have an interview at a company pay close attention to the
way the hiring manager or HR staff person speaks about current or former employees.
This will provide some important information about the health of the company
you are considering.
Unclear job
description. If the company cannot provide you with a clear and specific job
description you might want to steer clear. This can be an indication of a
company that is not clear about its goals and does not provide the necessary
directives and training for you to succeed at your job.
Trust your gut. In the
end, trust your instincts. If your gut is saying no and telling you this is not
the right opportunity, then you should strongly consider trusting your intuition.
You might be unemployed a few weeks longer, but you’ll appreciate it when you
find yourself enjoying your job and the company you work for rather than wishing
you could flee after a week or two on the job.
