Unfortunately, a toxic workplace doesn’t always hit you all at once.
Sometimes, it dawns on you slowly, showing up as little things that don’t seem like a big deal until suddenly, you realise you’re dreading dragging yourself out of bed and into your job every day. Whether it’s constant drama, unrealistic expectations, or a culture that leaves you feeling drained, a bad work environment can take a serious toll on your mental and even your physical health. Here’s how you know the place that pays your wages is toxic, and how to handle it if that’s the case.
1. You feel anxious the night before work.
Sunday night rolls around, and instead of relaxing, you’re already dreading Monday. Maybe you feel a knot in your stomach or find yourself unable to sleep because you’re stressed about what the next day will bring. The idea of walking into work makes you feel uneasy before you even get there. Work shouldn’t feel like something you have to mentally brace yourself for every single day. If your job is causing you this much stress before you even clock in, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Pay attention to how your body reacts; sometimes, it picks up on problems before your brain does.
2. Everyone seems burnt out.
When a workplace is toxic, burnout isn’t just an occasional issue — it’s the norm. You look around, and everyone seems exhausted, overworked, and mentally checked out. No one is excited about their work, and there’s a constant undercurrent of stress hanging in the air. Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight; it’s the result of a workplace that demands too much and gives too little in return. If everyone around you looks drained all the time, it’s a clear sign that the environment is pushing people past their limits. A good workplace supports its employees, not drains them.
3. Your boss plays favourites.
Some people get special treatment, while others can’t seem to do anything right. Maybe certain employees are always given the best projects, while others are left out. If promotions, praise, or opportunities only go to a select few, it can create an unfair and toxic dynamic. A good leader values all employees, not just a chosen few. If favouritism is running the workplace, it can make it impossible to grow, no matter how hard you work. When success is based on who you know rather than what you do, the environment becomes frustrating and discouraging.
4. Gossip and drama are everywhere.
A little workplace chatter is normal, but if the office feels like a never-ending episode of reality TV, that’s a problem. People whisper behind each other’s backs, coworkers spread rumours, and there’s always some new drama unfolding. In a toxic workplace, gossip isn’t just casual; it’s a way to manipulate, control, or sabotage other people. If you constantly feel like you have to watch what you say or who you trust, the environment isn’t healthy. Work should be about teamwork, not navigating social minefields.
5. Management ignores concerns.
You’ve raised issues — maybe about workloads, unfair policies, or even harassment — but nothing changes. Complaints get brushed off, concerns get dismissed, and leadership seems more interested in keeping things the way they are than actually making improvements. When a workplace is toxic, employees’ voices don’t matter. If your feedback is constantly ignored or if speaking up makes things worse, it’s a sign that leadership isn’t invested in creating a healthy environment. Good management listens, addresses problems, and values employee well-being.
6. The workload is completely unrealistic.
Deadlines are impossible, expectations are sky-high, and no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. You’re constantly staying late, skipping breaks, or taking work home just to keep up. It’s not just a busy season; it’s always like this.
A healthy workplace understands balance and respects employees’ time. If overworking is seen as normal or expected, it’s a red flag. No job should demand your entire life or make you feel guilty for having boundaries.
7. You feel like you can’t be yourself.
At work, you put on a mask because being your real self doesn’t feel safe. Maybe you’re afraid of judgment, criticism, or standing out too much. Instead of feeling comfortable, you spend the day walking on eggshells. In a healthy environment, you don’t have to shrink yourself to fit in. If you feel like you can’t express opinions, be honest, or show your personality, the culture might be toxic. A good workplace encourages authenticity, not fear.
8. Turnover is ridiculously high.
People don’t stick around for long, and there’s always someone new replacing the last person who quit. It’s not just one or two employees; it’s a pattern. If coworkers are constantly leaving, there’s usually a reason. When a workplace is toxic, good employees don’t stay. High turnover is a major red flag that management either doesn’t care about retaining staff or isn’t willing to fix the problems that drive people away. If everyone else is leaving, it might be time to ask yourself if you should too.
9. There’s no work-life balance.
You’re expected to be available at all hours, whether it’s answering emails at night or picking up extra work on weekends. Taking time off feels like a guilty pleasure instead of something you actually deserve. A job shouldn’t take over your life. If the culture promotes burnout and makes it impossible to unplug, it’s a sign that your well-being isn’t a priority. A workplace that respects its employees understands that they have lives outside of work.
10. You feel physically or emotionally drained every day.
Work isn’t just mentally exhausting; it’s starting to take a toll on your body too. Maybe you get frequent headaches, stomach issues, or feel completely wiped out at the end of each day. Your stress levels are high, and it’s affecting your health. When a workplace is toxic, the stress doesn’t just stay at the office — it follows you home. If your job is making you sick, anxious, or constantly exhausted, it’s a sign that something needs to change. No pay cheque is worth sacrificing your health.
11. People are constantly scared of getting fired.
Instead of feeling secure in their jobs, employees are always worried about being let go. Maybe layoffs happen suddenly, or management uses job security as a way to control people. Fear is a key ingredient in a toxic workplace. A healthy workplace makes employees feel valued and secure, not constantly on edge. If you or your coworkers are always bracing for bad news, it’s a sign that your employer doesn’t prioritise stability or respect.
12. There’s no appreciation for hard work.
Source: Unsplash No matter how much effort you put in, it goes unnoticed. Raises are rare, promotions are even rarer, and recognition is basically nonexistent. Instead of being rewarded for doing well, you’re just expected to keep pushing harder. A toxic workplace takes employees for granted. If your contributions are ignored or treated like they don’t matter, it’s easy to lose motivation. Feeling appreciated isn’t a bonus; it’s something every workplace should prioritise.
13. Office politics determine everything.
Decisions aren’t based on hard work or talent, they’re based on who knows who. If you’re not part of the right group, your ideas get ignored, and your efforts don’t get you anywhere. Cliques and favouritism make it impossible to thrive. In a healthy workplace, success is based on merit, not popularity. If playing the game is more important than doing your job well, the environment is toxic. Work should be about skills and effort, not social positioning.
14. You feel stuck and unmotivated.
You used to care about your job, but now you’re just counting the hours until you can leave. There’s no growth, no excitement, and no sense of purpose. You don’t see a future for yourself in this role anymore. Feeling unmotivated is a sign that your workplace isn’t providing what you need to stay engaged. A good job should challenge and inspire you, not make you feel like you’re stuck in a loop. If you can’t see things improving, it might be time to move on.
15. You’re constantly thinking about quitting.
Maybe you haven’t handed in your notice yet, but the thought is always there. You fantasise about leaving, scrolling through job listings even when you’re not actively searching. A part of you already knows this isn’t where you’re meant to be. When you’re truly happy at work, quitting isn’t on your mind all the time. If you’re constantly dreaming of an escape, your workplace might not be the right fit for you. Trust that feeling — there’s probably a reason you keep thinking about leaving.
