Author: Mike Scaletti
It's easy to become so absorbed in your work that you fail to notice when things around you have shifted. Alternatively, it may be that you yourself have evolved while your job has remained stagnant. Regardless, specific warning signs can indicate that it's time to start considering new employment opportunities.
It's critical to regularly assess the state of your workplace culture, as it can change over time. Instead of waiting until you find yourself in a toxic environment, make a point to periodically check in and ensure that your workplace still aligns with your values and fosters a healthy work-life balance.
Workplace culture can make or break your experience at a job. As a recruiting agency, one of the most common reasons we hear from employees looking for a change is that their workplace culture doesn't align with their values or work-life balance.
A negative workplace culture can have a significant impact on your mental health. If you're not in a positive and healthy environment, it can take a toll on you, making it challenging to thrive and excel professionally. Work-related stress can also bleed into your personal life, affecting your interactions with those around you.
If you're experiencing a negative workplace situation, it may not be in your best interest to stay. Here are some common red flags that indicate it may be time to start exploring new job opportunities:
Red Flag 1: You're expected to always be available.
The constant expectation of being available to respond to calls, emails, or texts from your boss, regardless of the time of day, can be incredibly stressful. It can lead to a lingering sense of anxiety and make it feel like you can never fully disconnect. While the occasional after-hours communication may not be a big deal, consistent after-hours work is a cause for concern.
Red Flag 2: It makes you dread failure.
Being in an environment where there's a strong fear of failure can hold you back and prevent you from doing your best work. Some of the best learning experiences come from making mistakes, and a company that doesn't allow for failure can stifle innovation and growth.
Red Flag 3: No one goes on vacation.
If you notice that no one around you ever takes their allotted vacation time, it can create pressure to do the same, leading to burnout. Taking time off is crucial to fully recharge and avoid feeling like you live to work rather than working to live.
Red Flag 4: There's no culture or community.
Feeling like you're part of a larger team is crucial for engagement with your company. A lack of community can cause feelings of disconnection, leaving you feeling like your work doesn't make a difference.
Red Flag 5: It's cliquey.
While it's common for colleagues to form friendships at work, it's concerning when cliques form and exclude others. Cliques involving company leadership can even create a culture of favoritism, isolating other employees and fostering a toxic environment.
If you notice any of these red flags at your workplace, it's time to start considering your options. While you may try to convince yourself that it isn't that bad or that things will improve, the reality is that they probably won't. Once you identify these red flags, they tend to escalate, intensifying the toxicity of the environment.
Fortunately, now may be an excellent time to explore new opportunities in many fields. Many companies are prioritizing workplace culture more than ever before, making it easier to find a job that aligns with your values. If you decide it's time for a change, The Job Shop is here to help.