Working in a healthy and supportive environment is crucial for our overall well-being. However, sometimes workplaces can become toxic, negatively impacting our mental and emotional health. It can happen quickly or overtime, sometimes without us even realizing it. Let’s talk about signs indicating it might be time to consider moving on or making a change.
Recognizing The Red Flags
PERSISTENT STRESS AND ANXIETY:
Are you noticing every Sunday you have anxiety about the week ahead? This Sunday night experience is also known as “The Sunday Scaries”. This constant stress and anxiety related to work can signal you may be working in an unhealthy environment. This can include signs like physical symptoms, sleep disturbances, and chronic worry.
LACK OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE:
An unhealthy work environment often blurs boundaries between work and personal life, leading to burnout and exhaustion. A lack of work-life balance can manifest in various ways, impacting both professional and personal aspects of an individual’s life. Here are several indicators or signs that suggest an imbalance between work and personal life:
- Long Work Hours and/or Inability to Unplug
- Physical Exhaustion and/orMental Strain and Stress
- Neglecting Personal Life and/or strained relationships
- Impact on Physical Health
- Decreased Productivity and Focus
- Loss of Enjoyment
- No Boundaries
- Lack of Self-Care
TOXIC CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION:
What does a toxic workplace culture look like and how do you spot it. Sometimes we have been working in an environment for so long, a toxic workplace culture becomes normal, we think it’s normal and we don’t even think to question it! Can you say Stockholm Syndrome? Employers and management play a pivotal role in cultivating a positive workplace culture or sometimes cultivating the opposite. If you identify with several of the below characteristics or themes it might be time to consider making a change.
- Gossip and Rumors
- Lack of Transparency
- Poor Communication
- Bullying or Harassment
- Micromanagement
- Unfair Treatment such as favoritism, discrimination etc.
- High Turnover Rate
- Lack of Support or Recognition
- Fear of Retribution and stifling open communication and constructive feedback.
Impact on Mental and Physical Health
You may be thinking, “everyone hates their job, sometimes! I should just grin and bear it? Right?” WRONGO. Over the course of a typical lifespan, from early adulthood until retirement (around 65 years old), an individual may spend around 35-40 years working, assuming they begin their career in their early 20s. Spending that much time in a job or workplace that is unhealthy can have detrimental effects on you.
Think of it this way: an unhealthy workplace and unhealthy you! The impact of a toxic workplace on one’s mental health can look like increased anxiety, depression, or feelings of inadequacy. Somatically it can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or chronic fatigue.
PROFESSIONAL STAGNATION
Another sign of an unhealthy workplace environment can be your own lack of growth and development. You may notice a lack of supportive culture that encourages skill development and career progression. There may be discouragement of employees from pursuing further education, attending training sessions, or acquiring new skills essential for growth. There may be a lack of mentorship programs, workshops, or resources that foster continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Is work feeling like Groundhog Day? Employees in unhealthy workplaces may find themselves performing the same tasks repeatedly without opportunities to learn new skills or take on challenging assignments. This stagnation can hinder skill diversification and personal growth.
This type of workplace often leads to high turnover rates and low morale among employees. Constant departures and a negative atmosphere can detract from opportunities for long-term career growth and stability. Toxic workplaces might lack clear career paths or advancement opportunities. Favoritism, politics, or a lack of merit-based promotion systems can prevent deserving employees from advancing in their careers. If you are interested in reaching goals in your professional life an unhealthy workplace most likely will work directly against those goals.
LOSS OF PASSION AND MOTIVATION:
Have you “Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’” at work? Jokes aside, this type of work environment can significantly impact an individual’s passion for work, resulting in decreased motivation and productivity through various detrimental effects.
In toxic environments, efforts and achievements might go unnoticed or underappreciated. Without acknowledgment or rewards for hard work, employees can feel undervalued, leading to a decline in the passion and motivation that makes for happier and healthier employees.
Ever get tired of constant drama at work? Continuous conflicts, bullying, or a culture of hostility increase stress levels and decrease our motivation to show up and do the work we once loved! The persistent stress in such environments can overshadow one’s passion for work, causing disengagement and reduced interest in tasks.
Deciding to Move On
Leaving an unhealthy work environment can be a challenging decision, but prioritizing mental and physical well-being is essential. Knowing the signs and recognizing when it’s time to move on is a crucial step toward a healthier, more fulfilling professional life.
Do a self-assessment of the situation and personal boundaries, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when enough is enough.
Make sure you seek support! We advise seeking guidance from mentors, friends, or professionals to gain perspectives and evaluate the situation objectively. If the aforementioned red-flags and workplace characteristics are feeling a little too familiar it may be time to make a change. By acknowledging these signs and taking proactive steps, individuals can take control of their professional lives and pave the way for a happier and more rewarding career path. For professional guidance, contact the experienced therapists at Village Counseling.