We have all heard about red flags in relationships. Those subtle (or not-so-subtle) warning signs to watch out for, whether it is your new crush, a long-term partner, or even your spouse. However, red flags are not exclusive to romantic relationships. From coworkers to business partners, they are just as real in the workplace, too. We take in a lot as we normalise toxicity, calling it a norm.
Red flags show up in all kinds of interpersonal relationships, including the workplace. Whether you are job hunting, currently employed, or planning to start a business, here are a few signs of a toxic work environment to be aware of.
Is your workplace toxic? 7 Red flags to watch out for
Let us take a look at some red flags to watch out for that may identify as a sign of a toxic work environment.
1. Unrealistic targets
Unrealistic targets, excessive workloads, and long hours without breaks are clear red flags in any workplace. These practices only lead to burnout. For example, reports about Amazon India’s warehouses in Manesar, Haryana, revealed troubling conditions where workers faced pressure to skip bathroom and water breaks to meet unreasonable targets. One worker even claimed they were forced to take an “oath” to prioritise targets over personal needs, with supervisors actively monitoring washroom use.
In a well-managed workplace, managers promote rest and balance, ensuring employees are not overworked or expected to sacrifice their well-being for the job.
2. Lack of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)
In a workplace lacking a DEI strategy, women, gender-nonconforming individuals and anyone from a marginalised background face microaggressions, biases, or discrimination, creating a hostile work environment. It not only causes stress and conflicts but also lowers productivity and forces employees to quit. Make sure your company is not just giving lip service to diversity initiatives but genuinely incorporating them into every level of the organisation.
A major red flag of poor DEI efforts in your workplace is the absence of diversity itself. Diversity is not just about balancing the number of men and women in the office. It means including people of different ages, sexualities, ethnic backgrounds, and disabilities, both physical and cognitive. Diversity should be visible in every corner of the workforce.
3. Unprofessional conduct
A few months ago, SEBI employees voiced concerns about the unprofessional behaviour of higher management, citing instances of public humiliation, shouting, and name-calling. Even senior officers began avoiding meetings due to the poor conduct of those in leadership positions.
Respect is essential for a healthy work environment. Bullying and harassment, whether verbal or psychological, create a hostile workplace that affects employee well-being and engagement. More importantly, such behaviour discourages productivity and creates a culture of fear, which is detrimental to the success of any organisation.
4. Toxic boss
Gallup’s 2022 State of the Global Workplace report identified five sources of burnout: unfair treatment at work, an unmanageable workload, unclear communication from managers, lack of support from management, and unreasonable time pressure. The report bluntly points out that all five sources of burnout share a common factor: your boss. It states, “Get a bad one and you are almost guaranteed to hate your job.”
While employees at all levels influence workplace culture, leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone. Bosses influence how everyone interacts and works together. Toxic bosses let their emotions affect their behaviour, using intimidation and the threat of punishment to motivate employees. Additionally, leaders who show favouritism, lack consistency or disregard employee wellbeing contribute to a hostile environment.
5. Lack of support for women employees
Women employees around the world repeatedly express feeling undervalued, receiving less pay than men, facing sexual harassment, being excluded from the “boys’ club,” and facing career barriers due to their age, race, or culture. Patriarchal corporate culture is a red flag that causes favouritism, toxic office politics, and a lack of recognition.
Unfortunately, gender bias continues to be a major red flag in many companies. Another red flag, “unequal pay,” shows up in different forms, like differences in bonuses, overtime pay, and even access to healthcare and retirement benefits. Aside from that, there are certain penalties associated with motherhood. Women should never feel undervalued for having children or face limited maternity benefits.
6. Hustle culture
Toxic workplace cultures often blur the lines between work and personal life. It is the so-called “hustle culture,” which glorifies sacrificing sleep, staying late at the office, and not having proper meals. This mindset creates an assumption that the more hours you spend working or the more tasks you take on, the better you perform. As a result, employees feel pressured to be available all the time.
7. Lack of transparency
One-sided communication and lack of transparency can confuse and frustrate employees. If employers and supervisors use one-sided communication to assert dominance and create passive-aggressive situations, that is a clear red flag. When employees feel left out of important decisions, it only increases their distrust and uncertainty.
In 2021, Apple faced backlash for preventing employees from accessing pay equity information. When organisations keep information hidden, they create distrust and make it harder to build a fair and inclusive environment for everyone.
Is your workplace toxic: The final thoughts
Just as you learn to spot warning signs in relationships, you must also be vigilant in identifying toxic behaviours and cultures in your workplace. From unrealistic targets and lack of diversity to unprofessional conduct and toxic leadership, these red flags point to an unhealthy work culture. While this list does not cover every way a workplace can be toxic, do not overlook any of these signs if they sound familiar.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we broadly define as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
