A toxic work environment is an issue that should definitely not be underestimated. Such a concept functions in psychology and can lead directly to mobbing. A toxic work environment leads not only to a decrease in productivity, but also to the employee’s malaise. Negative behavior may concern the boss, co-workers, but very often it happens that it results from the behavior of the whole environment.

The features of a toxic work environment are actually very characteristic – the problem is that the person affected by this problem may not be aware of it, sometimes looking for reasons for the behavior of co-workers in their own behavior. In addition, the toxic work environment results in stress and fear, which can paralyze activities. Here are the most important features of a toxic working environment:

• Abuse by superiors

Some abuses on the part of superiors may seem trivial at first, but it should be remembered that when they are permanent, the problem becomes very serious. If the boss often uses sarcasm, unjustified criticism, comparisons to the performance of other employees, already on this basis it is possible to identify the toxic work environment resulting from the abuses that occur, and the next step is to directly insult the subordinate.

• Lack of care for employees

It is natural that the employer and the supervisor strive to ensure that the company performs as well as possible. However, this must not be at the expense of employees in the long run. It is quite easy to see that the employer or supervisor does not care about their business. The lack of opportunities for promotion, as well as developing one’s competences is a clear symptom of this. In addition, it is a big mistake from the employer’s point of view, because employees losing motivation are much less effective.

• Lack of communication

Professional relationships must be based on clear communication. In a toxic work environment, it happens that employers use techniques such as duplicating false information, understatements, or ignoring employees when they ask you questions.

• Dictatorship

It is very important to be able to distinguish between dictatorship and leadership. Enterprises need leaders – people who are able to make effective decisions quickly. There are not always circumstances suitable for consulting employees. But if such consultations do not exist at all, there is an assumption that the superior is acting like a dictator, which promotes the creation of a toxic environment.

• Lack of specific competences

Multifunctionality of employees is included in the price – some of them are even created to be able to fulfill universal functions. However, employees focused on one task for which they are responsible are also a treasure for the company. The lack of specific competences leads to abuse – the employer may at any time entrust a subordinate with tasks that should not really belong to him, because they have nothing to do with the formally held position, and often also salary.

What is very important, the toxic working environment can be recognized already at the time of the interview. It is not worth looking for employment in a specific company at all costs, because if there is a toxic environment there, the adventure with the employer will end so quickly, but it will be associated with a high psychological burden.

Factors that should worry the candidate during the interview:

• unjustified long wait for the meeting;
• chaos in the environment as a result of the candidate’s visit, but not necessarily;
• unclear hierarchy of positions and division of competences;
• too short an interview (perhaps the employer has found another candidate, but if he decides to make an offer after a short one about his interview, this is a worrying sign).

Source: https://www.seka.pl/toksyczne-srodowisko-pracy/

Projekt otrzymał dofinansowanie z Norwegii poprzez Fundusze Norweskie 2014-2021, w ramach programu „Dialog społeczny – godna praca”.