How to Identify Signs of Toxic Job
- Unfair Expectations: Constantly at or over capacity, tight deadlines, limited resources.
- Micromanagement: Every decision requires approval, limiting autonomy; frequent hovering by management.
- No Recognition: Leaders steal credit, rarely give praise; contributions go unnoticed or unappreciated.
- Lack of Balance: Working nights, weekends, and during leave; time off is discouraged or criticized.
- No Transparency: Left out of key information and decisions; big decisions are made behind closed doors.
- High Turnover: Frequent employee departures; teams are frequently reshuffled, causing instability.
- Limited Growth: No clear path for career advancement; lack of training and development opportunities.
- Hostile Environment: Bullying, gossip, and cliques are common; serious issues are ignored or dismissed.
- Favoritism: Promotions and rewards based on relationships, not merit; select employees get special treatment.
- No Consistency: Priorities change without explanation; managers provide inconsistent directions.
- Punitive Approach: Mistakes are punished rather than seen as learning opportunities; fear limits risk-taking.
- Bad Compensation: Wide salary disparities for similar roles; pay raises or bonuses are rare and unpredictable.