It’s hard to know how a company operates until you are already working in the organization, but resources like Indeed reviews can give you a glimpse into a company’s leadership style, salary, and benefits.
Learn to trust your instincts. Also, look out for certain questions or comments that may indicate a toxic workplace environment during your job search. It’s better to heed the warning signs and pass on an offer, rather than end up in an environment that makes you miserable.
Toxic Workplace Signs
During the Great Resignation, job seekers observed certain phrases that made job listings unappealing, such as “must handle stress,” “fast-paced environment,” and “work under pressure.” A significant warning sign is a high turnover rate among staff, indicating that no employees have stayed with the organization for more than a year. On the other hand, a low turnover rate is a positive indicator.
In addition, bad leadership reviews and the caliber of potential teammates can be signs. If you accept a job, you want coworkers that are friendly to you and mentors who will guide you.
Coworkers are Referred to as ‘Family’
One of the most common red flags, according to comments on Reddit, is using the word “family” to describe the team. A marketing manager noted, “Whenever I hear the word ‘family’ to describe work, I literally cringe,” while another person commented, “I will pack up as soon as I hear that word in the office.”
Charlie Warzel and Anne Helen Petersen wrote in their book “Out of Office” that when a company uses the rhetoric of “family”, they are attempting to reframe a business relationship as an emotional one, even though a transactional relationship already exists.
According to them, the concept of a workplace family is used to divert and pressure workers into disregarding their own mistreatment. This strategy is used to discourage workers from asking for raises or time off, disregarding concerns about their coworkers’ behavior, and deflecting blame from upper management. This approach undermines any attempts at establishing boundaries.
Inappropriate or Irrelevant Questions
Questions can tell you as much about the interviewer as your answers.
An example of an irrelevant question would be, “What color would you be if you were a color?” You would rather have leaders who use strategized performance and behavior questions.
“Do you like to party?”, would be inappropriate, to say the least, unless the hiring manager can qualify the question or if the job you are applying for does actually entail partying!
Passion and Long Hours go Hand in Hand
Work should not consume your life, and a good employer shouldn’t equate excessive hours with your love – or lack of love – for your job. Employers should recognize the importance of life/work balance.
Employees aren’t chained to their desks or at the beck and call of their employers, you might want to double-check how much time you’re putting in
Lack of Negotiation
The compensation package should be negotiated before you sign your employment contract. If your hiring manager says experience is more important than salary, then here is another red flag.
Other salary red flags are claiming a “competitive salary” or “generous benefits package” without explaining what those are.
Getting a Job Offer Immediately
An employer who offers you the job on the spot might be a little desperate to fill the position. If the company won’t allow you some time to consider a job offer, you might have reason to be concerned about the work environment.
If a company does this, they may not want you to spend time searching for more information about the company in case you may find something they don’t want you to find out. You may be able to save yourself from making the wrong decision if you find anything.
Deciphering Toxic Red Flags
You shouldn’t dismiss a company because of one bad interview, but you certainly shouldn’t ignore it either. Learn more about the company culture and your prospective team, by reading online reviews and contacting family and friends. Is there a high staff turnover rate? Have there been consistent negative reports by unhappy employees?
A place where you can build human social and reputational capital is what you want, not mismanagement that negatively impacts your career growth. Ask yourself the question of whether there could be a risk of damage to your career’s reputation.
If the red flags seem minor, maybe you can use the opportunity as a launch pad to further your career and learn valuable experience for your next role.