A chaotic, unpleasant, and unproductive work atmosphere are all characteristics of a toxic workplace. Perhaps the manager is a bully or winning at all costs is the workplace culture. Or maybe your employees are rude, callous, or just plain cruel.

Seven Symptoms of a Toxic Workplace Problematic employers can speak a nice game in the beginning, much like a great first date that develops into a nightmarish long-term relationship. If you don't pay attention to the correct warning indicators, you might not notice the problems until you're already employed. Here are some warning indicators of a toxic workplace:

1. Odd Words in Job Descriptions and Mission Statements

Deciphering job adverts is crucial for reasons unrelated to making a good first impression on the hiring manager with your CV and cover letter. You'll gain an understanding of the company's culture, values, and expectations once you know what the various buzzwords imply, which will help you decide if you actually want to work there.

2. Freebies

When is a company benefit not really in your best interest? if it is a trap. Free meals, discounted transportation costs, plus foosball and video games in the break room all sound like a blast. However, in actuality, these benefits are designed to keep you at work. Companies would pay you enough to buy your own snacks and toys and then let you go home to enjoy them if they genuinely wanted to improve your life.

3. A Significantly Younger Workforce

Have you ever had an interview at a company where the majority of the employees appear to be young recent college graduates or the equivalent? This may seem like a lot of fun if you are just starting out in your job. Working with peers your own age is a great opportunity to meet new individuals. Beyond the issues that arise on any team without diversity, there are actually drawbacks to having a workforce that tends to be young.

4. Staff Members Who Appear Weary, Depressed, or Anxious

Asking whether you can have a tour of the office is always a smart idea when you have a face-to-face interview. When conducting a remote interview, make an effort to determine the interviewees' demeanor. When you do, pay attention to how the personnel makes you feel. Do folks seem to be unhappy in some way? They can be exhausted from working in a poisonous office environment. After all, it's challenging to be upbeat and interesting when you're close to burning out.

5. A lot of Change

Read current news articles about the company during your pre-interview preparation, and keep an eye out for any indications of management turnover. Then, check out your LinkedIn contacts. Do you know anyone who has worked for the business? If so, see whether they often stick around or quickly leave for a new opportunity. A toxic workplace may have a high rate of turnover.

6. A potential boss who enjoys being challenging

Sometimes recruiting managers will be upfront about how difficult they are to work for, taking the uncertainty out of the interview process. They can declare, "I have high standards." Alternatively, "I demand the best of myself and everyone on my team." That sounds wonderful. That wouldn't want to work for a boss who has lofty aspirations and ambitious objectives? However, bear in mind that not everyone who describes their leadership style is a dependable storyteller.

7. Your gut tells you no.

It might be challenging to predict with certainty how a company will be to work because this isn't a science. Learning to trust your instincts during interviews is a necessary skill. However, pay attention to your instincts when it tells you something different than what you hear. It can be cautioning you to avoid a hazardous workplace.