While most people expect a job to have some challenges and difficult days, it should not rise to the level of a toxic workplace. The next step, any form of illegal discrimination, can easily happen in this type of atmosphere.
In addition to legal protections, workers can gain some insulation by identifying a bad workplace and taking common-sense actions.
Signs of a negative work environment
Information from TopResume describes a toxic workplace as one that causes significant disruptions in the life of a worker. Certain indicators show up again and again in this negative atmosphere, such as a high level of employee sickness because workers do not enjoy coming to work. Other signs include the following:
- High employee turnover
- Lack of enthusiasm or low morale
- Negative communication patterns
- Selfish leadership
This environment can take a toll on workers, including health impacts. These include sleepless nights, elevated heart rates and changed eating habits. This can impact everything from social activities to concentration levels to safety concerns.
Measures to improve the situation
In a dysfunctional office, workers can take a few steps to cope with excessive negativity. This could include cultivating positive working relationships with like-minded employees or finding ways to decompress after a stressful day at work.
At some point, if the level of hostility begins to enter into the territory of workplace discrimination, workers should consider documenting interactions. This could include keeping all emails and jotting down pertinent notes about meetings or phone calls.
Workers who need to file an official complaint benefit from recorded evidence of misbehaviors. This becomes especially necessary in cases of workplace discrimination.
