Choosing the right workplace is definitely not only about the job title or earnings – it is mostly about the environment in which you will be spending most of the day. A toxic (unhealthy) workplace vs. a thriving team (loving one) can be the difference between your career, mental health, and overall happiness being lifted up or being torn down. Many professionals, especially fresh graduates, do not notice these essential factors and that is after they have advanced too far in their career. CA Gaurav Kumar, a finance and business consultant, explains how to spot the negative company culture early and what truly makes a company healthy.
No workplace turns toxic suddenly. It’s generally a sign with lesser known aspects. People’s reaction to the signs they often overlook cause the toxicity of the workplace to grow bigger. Recognizing these warning signs before they become too big can save you not only months but even years of your life full of frustration. Following we examine four main indicators that the work environment could be doing you more harm than good.
- Communication Without Transparency
Poor communication is one of the easiest ways to know if a workplace is toxic. If employees are not informed by managers about important decisions or you always feel that information is kept from you, then you have got a red flag. A well-run business encourages open discussion where employees are not only allowed and encouraged to ask questions but also give their opinions. CA Gaurav Kumar says that companies sharing not only their goals but also their problems openly, are the ones that build trust and a feeling of security among the team.
- Unhappiness and Staff Leaving a Lot
Are there staff which are leaving the company on a daily basis? If so it means that you now have to ask the question of why. High turnover is usually a symptom of a deeper sickness of the company such as no growth opportunities, bad management, and/or unjust policies. Workers at a stable company will decide to stay because they are treated with respect and wonderful career paths are open to them. CA Gaurav Kumar urges us to judge workplaces by worker reviews given on professional sites.
- Roles Not Clear and Overwork
Usually, when duties at work are unclearly defined employees act in a disorderly manner and may also get burned out. If you are always receiving assignments for work that is not part of your job description, and nobody is there to help or appreciate you, that is a warning situation. Working groups with high morale make sure that every member is aware of their duties and is given the necessary resources to succeed. Fit companies not only respect the balance between work and life but also provide friendly services without demanding that clients are available at all times.
- Favoritism and Office Politics
Favoritism is one of the worst enemies of worker’s morale and it cannot ever act in a positive way multiplying-lastingly. If promotion and other benefits mainly depend on who your friends are rather than your work, then it is an old but clear signal of a toxic culture. On the other hand, good workplaces concentrate on principles of fairness and awards are always done solely based on accomplishments and results. CA Gaurav Kumar clearly states that it is trust in the whole system that fairness helps to be present across the whole organization which can only be maintained through transparency in promotion and evaluation.
Green Flags of a Healthy Workplace
Even though the red flags clearly mean that you should run away, green flags let you know that a place is right for you. Here are some positive attributes you should look out for:
- The managers who instead of micromanaging, mentor.
- Appreciation and feedback as part of regular culture.
- Getting the chance for professional growth and skills development.
- Systems that put the employee’s wellbeing and flexibility first.
The good companies not only try to make people compete with each other but also collaborate. By doing so they create a supporting community where everybody is able to grow and succeed together.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
In the present-day cut-throat world, your showing at work not only affects your career development, but also your physical and mental welfare. Working in a toxic environment can cause stress, exhaustion, and even some serious diseases that can last for a long time. While on the contrary, becoming a part of the winning team energizes one’s creativity, motivation and loyalty.
CA Gaurav Kumar advises job seekers as well as professionals that they check out the culture of the workplace as thoroughly as they check the salary and the benefits. To put it simply, no pay can ever balance out the loss that comes from being in an environment that sucks your energy and makes you lose your confidence.
Last Thoughts
A thriving team is definitely not only about happy employees – rather to individuals and the organization, it is a matter of sustainable success. In doing so, one can decide how to grow his or her career and where to work just by learning early the signs of red and green flags.
