How to Identify a Toxic Workplace Before You End Up in One

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.