How Do You Know if You’re Stuck in a Toxic Workplace?

If you’re reading this, you likely suspect your workplace might be toxic. Maybe you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, or even depressed lately, and you can’t help but wonder if your workplace is to blame. Or maybe you’ve noticed some red flags—a high turnover rate, always complaining employees and a general feeling of negativity. Whatever the case, it’s important to recognize the signs of a toxic workplace so you can take steps to protect your mental health and well-being.

Toxic Workplace Checklist

Here’s a checklist of eight things to look out for that indicate you’re stuck in a toxic workplace:

You dread going to work every day.

You know the feeling all too well. Hitting snooze for the fifth time and begrudgingly get out of bed, trying to shake off the dread that’s been creeping up on you all week. You drag yourself to work, feeling like every step is a battle. Your heart sinks when you walk through the door and see the same toxic people and environment you’ve been trying to escape. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to face the hard truth: you might be stuck in a toxic workplace.

You’re constantly stressed out.

The workplace can be a stressful environment. There are deadlines to meet, projects to finish, and clients to please. However, it may be time to reevaluate your situation if you find yourself constantly stressed at work. Toxic workplace stress can harm your mental and physical health. If you’re constantly worried about losing your job or being passed over for a promotion, it’s time to take a step back and assess the situation.

You don’t feel like you have any control over your work.

There are a lot of signs that you might be in a toxic workplace. One of the biggest is if you feel you have no control over your work. This can be for many reasons. Maybe your boss is micromanaging you, or you feel like you’re always being asked to do things outside your job description. Whatever the reason, not feeling like you have any control over your work can be extremely frustrating and make it very difficult to do your job well.

You don’t feel supported by your coworkers or superiors.

A toxic workplace is one where you don’t feel supported by your coworkers or superiors. It’s where you feel like you have to watch your back because you never know when someone will try to take advantage of you. Toxic workplaces are full of cliques, drama, and backstabbing and can be very stressful.

You don’t feel like you’re being paid fairly.

It’s no secret that money can be a major source of stress in our lives. But what many people don’t realize is that our workplaces can also greatly impact our financial well-being. If you don’t feel like you’re being paid fairly, it could signify that you’re in a toxic workplace. Not only will this impact your ability to make ends meet, but it can also lead to other problems, like job dissatisfaction and burnout. Of course, it’s not always easy to know if you’re being underpaid. But it might be time to reevaluate your situation if you’re constantly stressed about money. After all, your job should be a place where you feel supported and valued, not exploited.

You’ve been getting sick more often than usual.

Have you been feeling exhausted lately, even though you’re getting enough sleep? Have you been catching colds more often than usual or experiencing more headaches and stomachaches? If so, you may be in a toxic workplace. toxic workplaces are those where the environment is poisonous to both your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, these sorts of workplaces are all too common.

You feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells.

Do you ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells at work? If so, you’re not alone. Many people feel like they have to tiptoe around their colleagues, afraid of saying or doing something that will get them in trouble. This is often the case in toxic workplaces, where employees are subjected to constant criticism and pressure.

You don’t feel you’re not being heard or valued.

Work is hard when you feel like you’re not heard or valued. You pour your heart and soul into your work, but it’s never good enough. Your boss nitpicks everything you do, and your colleagues always seem to get the credit for your ideas. You feel invisible and unappreciated. Your workplace is toxic.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, there’s a good chance your workplace is toxic. So what can you do about it?

Here are a few things you can do if you find yourself in a toxic workplace:

1. Talk to your boss or HR department. If your workplace is toxic, you should first talk to your boss or HR department. They may not be aware of the problem and may be able to help resolve it.
2. Find an ally at work. Finding someone at work who shares your values and will have your back can be helpful. This person can be a sounding board for you and help make the workplace feel less lonely and isolating.
3. Create boundaries. If certain people or topics are particularly triggering, it’s important to create boundaries around them. This might mean setting firm limits on how much time you spend with certain people or avoiding certain topics altogether.
4. Focus on the positive. When everything around you feels negative, it can be hard to remember what’s good about your job. Make it a point to focus on the positive aspects of your job and let that light guide you through the dark times.
5. Know when to walk away. Sometimes, no matter how much we try, the toxicity of a workplace is just too much to overcome. If that’s the case, it might be time to start looking for a new job that will better suit your needs and allow you to thrive.

A toxic workplace can take a toll on our mental and emotional health—but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you suspect that your workplace might be toxic, use this checklist as a starting point for evaluating your situation. And if things really are as bad as they seem, don’t hesitate to reach out for help or start looking for a new job—your well-being is worth it!