6 Signs of Toxic Workplaces You Should Notice During Interviews

Job interviews are not just about impressing potential employers but also an opportunity to gauge whether the company fits you. Spotting signs of a toxic workplace during the interview process can help you make an informed decision in the long run. 

A toxic workplace can lead to stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction, so identifying red flags during interviews is crucial. Toxic environments don’t facilitate high performance but create unsafe workplaces. Here, the term ‘unsafe workplaces’ does not always refer to physical conditions; psychological conditions also play a significant role. In other words, the workplace may be physically safe, but is it mentally safe? In this blog, we delve deeper into psychological safety factors to identify seven red flags of toxic workplaces that applicants should notice during the interview.

6 Signs of Toxic Workplaces                    

A toxic environment can be recognized as one where employees find it challenging to work or progress due to negativity created by coworkers, supervisors, and the company culture. Negative behaviors such as manipulation, bullying, and yelling can have varied effects on people based on their work history, working styles, and other factors. You can avoid entering an unhealthy work environment by asking the right questions. Here are seven signs that you can watch out for:

1. Disorganized behavior: The interviewer's conduct is the first sign of a toxic workplace. Some interviewers have unapologetically poor behavior, such as dismissing candidates or interrupting them while answering questions. Pay attention to how respectful and attentive they are during your interaction.

2. Poor Communication at Workplace: A healthy environment supports open and assertive communication. In contrast, communication is often one-sided in a toxic environment. This allows employers to use it as a tool to assert dominance. In such an environment, communication is passive-aggressive, and power struggles make working conditions difficult.

3. Unclear Job Roles and Responsibilities: Interviewers need to communicate job roles during interviews This is crucial in building a positive and supportive work environment, leading to confusion and frustration. Applicants must know what their job entails and what counts on their success or failure in the tasks assigned. It could be a red flag if the roles and responsibilities feel like a moving target. If the interviewer's expectations seem excessively demanding or vague, it reflects the poor leadership within the organization. In the long term, working in such an environment can leave employees stretched too thin.

4. Too Long or Short Job Hiring Process: Moving too fast to hire an employee or waiting too long for an answer might mean the organization is not hiring capable candidates. Furthermore, candidates should consider the organization's plans, ambitions, and growth opportunities. If recruiters lack knowledge,, employees do more than what is stated in the job description.

5. Avoiding Salary Discussions: An organization that refuses to be upfront about salary or is hesitant to discuss employee pay and benefits can be a sign of toxicity.  This may suggest a lack of transparent pay structures or a desire to gauge the candidate's salary expectations without clarity. 

6. Unhealthy Obsession with Long Hours: Beware of workplaces that glorify overworking and seem to expect employees to sacrifice their personal lives for the job. Phrases like “we work hard and play hard” or “we’re looking for someone who’s willing to go above and beyond” can sometimes hide unrealistic expectations and a poor work-life balance.

In Conclusion

The toxic environment fails to convey what an organization entails. Obvious values and briefs add to a hostile and unsupportive work environment, undermining employee morale and well-being. Disrespectful communication, poor employee relationships, unclear job titles, and too long working hours are common red flags that applicants must consider when deciding to take the job. Conversely, a positive work environment improves an employee’s workflow and mood, boosts innovation, increases productivity, and minimizes absenteeism.