The Red & Green Flags of Workplace Culture
Nobody wants to work in an environment that makes them feel undervalued, disrespected, and discouraged. Instead, you want to be given opportunities to thrive, learn, and grow. But what are some clear signs that directly point to a toxic work culture or a healthy one—and which one are you in? Read on to explore some top indicators to watch out for.
1. High Turnover Rate
Are people leaving every month or so? Is the company constantly hiring new employees? While a high turnover rate isn't always a glaring sign of a toxic work environment, it should still ring some warning bells. After all, if the company were a great place to work at, people would not only be enticed to apply, but to stay.
2. No Room for Errors
Nobody wants to make mistakes, but sometimes they're inevitable and allow us to learn, thrive, and grow. But if you're in a workplace that punishes employees for every error they make, this fear will only stunt growth and box you in. You'll be too scared to push the boundaries and step outside your comfort zone because you're afraid of making any hiccups.
3. No Work-Life Balance
Sure, many companies try to convince candidates and new hires that they offer great work-life balance, but few companies actually respect this. Even though you clock out at five, you might feel guilty for leaving and may even be expected to stay. Weekends don't even feel like weekends, either; you're constantly checking your emails and having to set up meetings even when you're off work.
4. Favortism
Picture this: You've been at this company for over a year, and you're expecting a promotion—your manager's remarks on your last performance review seemed to indicate as much. But then a new employee waltzes in and they've quickly become your boss' new favorite. What's more? They've taken that spot you coveted, despite lacking both skills and experience.
Favoritism, nepotism, and cliques in a workplace are never signs of a healthy culture; they only create division and toxicity between colleagues.
5. Poor Leadership
Another sign of a toxic work culture is poor leadership. You might not get clear, regular communication from your higher-ups, and they put the blame on you when deadlines aren't met. There's also no support, mentorship, constructive feedback, or anything else you can glean from management. You're expected to be on your own and to figure everything out yourself from day one.
6. No Professional Growth
Without consistent communication and guidance from leadership, you don't only feel unsupported—you feel stuck. There's no room for professional growth or advancement in a toxic workplace; you're just expected to do what you're given.
7. Micromanagement
Perhaps worse than silent leadership is one that micromanages. You always feel someone watching you over your shoulder, or have someone pinging you every minute to see how much you've done. This type of leadership indicates a lack of trust and will only frustrate and demotivate you further.
8. Lack of Recognition & Appreciation
Despite your achievements, you rarely get acknowledgement from your higher-ups. Instead, your efforts are taken for granted and often left unmentioned, making you feel extremely undervalued and discouraged. Over time, you may be less likely to work as hard because of this lack of appreciation.
9. Bullying & Harassment
Bullying and harassment are glaring red flags that you're in a toxic work environment, especially when these types of behaviors are brushed aside and employees are expected to tolerate them. If you don't feel safe coming into work, that's not a culture that anyone should be in.
10. Unrealistic Expectations or Goals from Leadership
If leadership demands deadlines to be met and projects to be delivered without taking into account certain restraints or limitations, you're bound to feel like you're being set up to fail. These types of unrealistic expectations—paired with no room for mistakes—will only weigh you down further.
But what, then, are signs of a healthy workplace culture? Let's jump into that next.
1. Open & Honest Communication
A healthy work culture promotes open and honest communication between leadership and employees. It's clear that, despite the differences in our responsibilities and roles, we're all working together to meet our goals and achieve greatness. Everyone knows exactly what's expected and what they need to do, or how they can improve and contribute in other ways.
2. Respect for Work-Life Balance
For once, the "work-life balance" statement isn't just something that's said—it's respected. Employees aren't expected to be constantly on their toes even during their days off, and breaks are regularly granted to prevent burnout.
3. Supportive Leadership
A workplace that adopts a healthy culture has supportive leadership, meaning the higher-ups aren't just there to demand tasks be done and flaunt their status. Instead, they're there as true mentors who can offer advice and guidance when you need it.
4. Fun & Welcoming Office Environment
Even if you work from home regularly, if you're happy and even excited to head into office, that's a pretty good sign that you're in a healthy work environment. This means you feel safe and comfortable seeing all your colleagues in person.
5. Recognition of Achievements
You strive for greatness, and in a healthy workplace, your efforts are always rewarded and recognized. This fosters a culture where people want to continue working hard and putting in 110%—not because they'll get rewarded, but because it's an environment where everyone lifts up everyone and shows appreciation for one another.
6. Employee Well-Being Is Prioritized
A great work culture prioritizes the well-being of all employees. That means when you're sick, you don't feel guilty for taking a day off because your health comes first. And if you're ever feeling burnt out or you're struggling mentally, you feel free to express that without fear or judgment.
7. Opportunities for Growth
You also won't feel like you're stuck in one place in a healthy work culture. You're always inspired, motivated, and encouraged to grow, and with supportive leadership, you have access to great mentors who can give you invaluable advice so that you can one day be in their shoes.
8. Regular & Reciprocal Feedback from Leadership
You aren't just expected to follow orders from your manager and higher-ups; you're constantly given feedback from them on how you're doing and how you can get better. But that's not all—you're also given opportunities to voice your opinions on how leadership can support you better, so that you can continue to thrive.
9. Diverse & Inclusive
Diversity and inclusion isn't just said for show—your workplace celebrates it. Your teams are comprised of people from all walks of life, who all offer different ideas and strengths, and who have equal opportunities to be the best they can be. No one is undervalued or disrespected based on their background, abilities, identity, preferences, or anything else.
10. Employees Always Have a Say
You don't just have a voice when leadership gives you the mic. Instead, all employees are regularly encouraged to give their input on how things can be improved, how projects can be approached differently, or how management can provide better mentorship and support.
