Recognizing Red Flags of a Toxic Work Environment

mwm

Have you found yourself waking up exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? Do you notice that you’re easily frustrated, snapping at the smallest things, or feeling outright aggressive? Maybe you’ve started ranting about how bad everything is, or perhaps, you’ve lost interest in the hobbies that used to bring you joy. Your evenings might be spent binge-watching Netflix, or on the other hand, coping with endless social events or relying on alcohol to unwind from the stress of the workday.

It’s easy to explain these feelings away—blaming a busy schedule, a tough project, or the pressure to perform. But sometimes, it’s more than that. Sometimes, it’s the environment itself, slowly wearing you down. Toxic work cultures have a way of making us feel trapped, convincing us that this is just how it is, and that there’s no way out.

But the truth is, you deserve better—and it starts with believing in yourself again.

The Silent Red Flags: Withholding Information, Power Plays, and Last-Minute Chaos

One of the earliest signs of a toxic workplace is when leaders withhold critical information. I’ve experienced situations where decisions were made behind closed doors, and those of us directly affected only found out afterward. Leadership may downplay the seriousness of the situation or sugarcoat bad news, telling everyone that everything is fine when in reality, things are falling apart.

Even worse, there are the subtle power plays—like when a leader steps in to take over your project without asking or makes decisions on your behalf without explanation. It’s not just disrespectful; it’s a calculated move that undermines your authority and leaves you questioning your role.

And then there are the last-minute changes. I’ve seen entire projects shift direction just hours before a deadline. It’s exhausting, disorienting, and it shows a lack of respect for the work you’ve already put in. But more than that, it signals poor leadership and planning. These behaviors chip away at your confidence, making you feel powerless and out of control.

When Leadership Turns Ego-Driven

I remember a time when my ideas were consistently shut down, dismissed before I even had a chance to explain them. This wasn’t just about differing opinions—it was about ego. My boss needed to be the smartest person in the room, and any idea that didn’t come from them was considered worthless.

This type of leadership creates an environment where innovation dies. If you’ve ever felt like your ideas don’t matter, or worse, that you’re not even allowed to contribute, it’s not a reflection of your abilities. It’s a reflection of their insecurity. Leaders who need to maintain control by shutting others down aren’t leading—they’re clinging to their power, and in the process, they’re making you feel small.

The Closed Door of Innovation

In environments like this, the door to innovation slams shut. You stop sharing ideas because you know they’ll be dismissed, or you’ve simply grown too tired of pushing against a wall. I’ve seen it happen to teams where creativity used to thrive, but slowly, the energy drains out. Leaders who are closed off to suggestions aren’t just stifling growth—they’re sending a clear message: Your input doesn’t matter here.

This leads to a culture where employees stop trying, not because they’re not capable, but because they know it won’t make a difference. And over time, you start believing that too. But here’s the truth: your ideas do matter, and a supportive environment will recognize that. Don’t let a closed door keep you from believing in your potential.

Ghosting and Broken Promises

Another red flag I’ve seen in toxic workplaces is the way leaders disappear when it’s time to have difficult conversations. Whether it’s a discussion about your career path, a project going off track, or even an ongoing conflict that needs resolution, some leaders ghost their employees when they’re most needed. It’s an infuriating and demoralizing experience, leaving you feeling abandoned and unsupported.

Then there are the broken promises. I’ve worked with leaders who made big promises about promotions, raises, or development opportunities, only to push them off indefinitely or never follow through at all. Broken promises erode trust and leave you questioning whether you’re even valued at all.

If you’ve been on the receiving end of ghosting or empty promises, I want you to know this: you deserve better. Leaders who can’t follow through are not only showing you their lack of accountability—they’re showing you that they don’t value your growth.

When Burnout Becomes the Norm

In some toxic environments, burnout isn’t just common—it’s the norm. I’ve worked in places where long hours, late nights, and working through weekends were expected. Taking time off was quietly judged, and pushing yourself to the brink was seen as a badge of honor. It didn’t matter that people were burning out left and right, as long as the work got done.

Over time, this kind of culture makes you feel like you’re just surviving, not thriving. You’re constantly exhausted, running on fumes, and struggling to keep up with unreasonable demands. But here’s the thing: burnout isn’t a sign of dedication—it’s a sign that something is broken. And no job is worth sacrificing your mental health for.

The Illusion of Benefits: Flexible Hours, But at What Cost?

One of the traps I’ve seen people fall into is believing that the “benefits” their workplace offers make it worth staying, even if everything else is toxic. Maybe your job offers flexible working hours or the ability to work from home—but what’s the reality when you use those benefits? In many toxic environments, these perks come with hidden strings. If you take advantage of that flexibility, you’re quietly judged. You’re made to feel like you’re not as committed as those who stay late in the office every night, or you might miss out on opportunities because you’re not “visible enough.”

These so-called benefits can blind us to the bigger picture: that we’re still stuck in a toxic culture, even if it’s dressed up as “flexible.” Don’t let the illusion of benefits keep you from seeing the truth about the environment you’re in.

Disengagement from Work and Social Events

In environments like these, it’s not uncommon for employees to start disengaging. People stop attending work events because there’s no point—they no longer feel connected to the team or the company. The enthusiasm to go into the office fades, and more and more employees opt to work from home, not because they need the flexibility, but because there’s simply no added value in showing up. The workplace has become a place of dread rather than inspiration.

When this disengagement spreads, it’s a sign that the culture is broken. People are retreating because they no longer believe in the mission or the leadership. And it’s not just about the work—it’s about the environment that’s left them feeling empty.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Confidence, Protect Yourself

If any of this sounds familiar, I want you to take a step back and ask yourself—is this the environment I deserve? Too often, we start to believe that we’re stuck, that we don’t have the skills to move on, or that things could be worse elsewhere. But these thoughts are just a result of being so used to navigating toxic spaces that we forget what we’re truly capable of in a healthy environment.

You don’t have to stay in a situation that makes you feel small. But that doesn’t mean you need to leave, either. This is about reconnecting with your own belief in yourself. You are capable, you are worthy, and your current job is not the end of your story. You owe it to yourself to protect your confidence, rediscover your strengths, and realize that you can thrive—whether that’s in your current role, or somewhere new when the time feels right.

This isn’t about running away—it’s about reclaiming your sense of self. Good employers exist, and healthier environments are out there. Most importantly, you deserve to believe that you can create the life you want, and that you have the power to make it happen.

mwm

With purpose and appreciation
Nadja