Entering the work environment is certainly the dream of most people. This can be the first step to developing a better career. But there will always be transitions and perceived changes. Especially related to how the work environment can be seen as something fun or otherwise. One thing that is often a source of concern is a toxic work environment.
However, it is not advisable to immediately draw conclusions that the work environment we are facing is a toxic environment for one reason or another. Factors such as culture shock and the transition to a new world of work are often felt by most people.
Even so, it never hurts to stay alert from the first day of work by recognizing some signs of a toxic work environment. Quoted from Huffpost, here are some recognizable signs.
There Is No Good Reception
When you enter a new work environment and then you feel that you don't care about your presence and arrival, then it can be a sign that the work environment is toxic.
Usually this is shown as if they don't have time to take care or just notice your presence. Mary Abbajay, president of leadership development consultancy Careerstone Group, says that if people show they don't have the time or show a reluctance to help you study or introduce you, that's a warning.
Witnessing Abusive Behavior
If on the first day of work you find yourself acting rude and leading to an attempt to belittle a colleague or client, then that could be a sign that the work environment is toxic.
Abbajay further said that the main difference between a stressful environment and a toxic environment is that a toxic job makes people treat others with disrespect.
In addition, this toxic culture is when humans are treated badly, inhumanely either through abusive leadership or gaslighting.
Coworkers are too excited to gossip in front of you
If you've just stepped into a new work environment and immediately see people scrambling to be the leader of the gossip talk, then that could be a bad sign. Basically this gossip can be something that is considered as trash talk and worsen the existing situation.
Through gossip, usually there will be negative things such as accusations against other co-workers or office dramas that have sprung up. Regarding this, Abbajay said that a culture that allows toxic gossip to run rampant is toxic.
Finding out the fact that there are frequent changes of workers
Ideally, the recruiter will explain about the role changes that occur related to the position applied for during the job interview. However, if you just found out that the position you are applying for or your workplace has changed employees several times a year, then this could be a bad sign.
This may be more obvious when you know other facts such as how long the co-workers have been there and whether they are new people who have been accepted there.
Expectations of the Job at the Interview Are Different from Reality
Usually in a good orientation process, the manager will meet with you early so you can understand the role and tasks that will be carried out. But in a toxic work environment, you may have little clarity about your role and later find yourself doing work you don't really know.
This could be an indication that there is a shortage of staff at your place of work so they need new people to fill other roles they may not be able to do.