1. Understanding High Job Turnover in Toxic Workplaces
A high level of staff turnover can occur for various reasons, and not all are related to toxic workplace culture. For example, seasonal work brings with it an element of expected short-term employment that matches the demand of the job. Typically we might associate this with agriculture, but can also be found in industries that need to ramp up demand for seasonal production or delivery demands for example.
Then we have the types of work, that attract a workforce that is by nature transient, the waiter who is also a struggling actor or student, the casual labour type of work, or where work is physically or mentally demanding, where there are specific limits on how long people are prepared to be in such work environments.
All of these examples are functioning jobs that carry with them known, predicted, or even expected characteristics that we all can factor in when deciding to either seek employment, stay in employment or leave.
However, when turnover is unusually high and there’s no clear reason for it, the underlying issue may be a toxic work culture driving employees away. The good jobs, even sometimes the straightforward jobs, where the only issue appears to be not the work itself, nor the customers, whether internal or external but those you are directly working for, is a red flag.
Tip: Before accepting a job offer, consider researching the company on employee review sites to gauge the work culture. While negative reviews may be more vocal, they can offer insights into potential red flags. Certain industries, certain career paths, and certain levels within an organisation will come with a level of challenge, and to a large extent an expected type of working culture. One question you should ask yourself, especially if you feel you are at risk of bouncing from one place to another, under the ‘view’ of intolerable working culture, is whether this type of work is right for you. This is a broader question, out of the scope of this blog post, but is an important one to challenge, if you need help on this journey of clarification, is this job right for me, reach out, we may be able to help you with a ‘life MOT’, use the contacts on this page.
2. Poor Communication in the workplace or is it a transactional job type?
If your type of job is task-driven requiring a narrow band of input in how your working day will play out, look away now. This is not necessarily a sign of toxic workplace culture, you may feel undervalued, and you may also feel when the organisation implements a change, you are almost the last to know, even though it may impact your physical workload the most. These types of roles usually develop over time to solve a problem, a problem that requires physical human input to solve. Where the cost of automation is not possible or not cost-effective.
The management of such job functions has one primary objective, and that is to meet a production output, no more or no less than the requirements of the function. You may be a fresh-faced law undergrad seeking summer work, while you are working in these types of roles; who you are, your background, intelligence, qualifications, ideas, and imagination to improve efficiency are all useful to tell those who do not work there, because they have no place to be shared at work.
All is not lost, some folks work in such roles year in and year out, and the work is dependable unless automation comes along. We are not here to judge one or the other, what works for you, works for you. My point is, that this is not a toxic workplace per se, by itself. Sometimes to add symbolism to some who have chosen this pathway, the immediate management may recognise the long service of their task-delivering worker not by an official title but by an unofficial nickname. One such commenter referred to working in such a work environment for 18 years and was referred to as ‘sir’ by the manager.
If you find that meetings often end with the question, “Are there any issues?” followed by silence, it may be a sign that employees feel their voices don’t matter.
Tip: You will know if the job is a transactional task-driven job simply off the job spec, but some jobs do have grey areas, and we all at some point seek employment to better ourselves and move forward. Spotting and carving a career path is out of the scope of this post, but do bear this in mind, bouncing from one just to another may not be a sign of avoiding toxic working practices. During your job interview, ask questions that reveal the communication style of the department. Pay attention to the interviewers’ body language and subtle cues when discussing company culture. Observing these interactions can give you a better sense of whether open communication is genuinely valued. If the interview is held with a manager and perhaps a future potential colleague look at the interactions between the 2, but be aware, that those you may be working alongside may be too busy and not valued enough to leave the line to be part of the interviewing process. The bottom line is that transactional types of jobs solve a problem, they are not necessarily signs of a toxic workplace but could be turned into one, for example, if the culture of the workplace places an overburden of responsibility on the workers for things that they are not in control of. For example, the team on the ground are the last to have a full understanding of a production change, take the brunt of complaints from customers and then get a downward appraisal for high customer dissatisfaction. The top-down structure where the lowest levels take the responsibility for failure.
3. Micromanagement: The need to be told what to do next
Micromanagement is a challenge we all face at some point in life, when we are young it’s acceptable, when we are adults, and the task is well understood, not so well. Micromanagement is not something you will find in the job spec, nor a recommended management style, often masked during the interview process just how much control and independence you will have on the job. If a workplace is keen to hire you, they might downplay the level of oversight you’ll experience. However, once in the role, constant check-ins and a lack of trust can become apparent, leading to frustration and reduced job satisfaction.
Tip: To counteract micromanagement, propose a detailed plan of your tasks and share it proactively with your manager. This demonstrates your initiative and organisation skills, while also setting the stage for more autonomous working. If you’re struggling with micromanagement and it’s affecting your well-being, it might be helpful to explore these challenges in a therapy setting. Our Bromley-based practice offers a safe space to work through such issues, helping you develop strategies to cope and thrive in your professional life.
4. Lack of Recognition and Career Progression
Recognition is a crucial element of job satisfaction, but some employees may feel overlooked, especially after they’ve been in a role for some time. If we turn this idea on its head, those who are not overlooked, why do we feel they got the promotion, the position the role etc? The factors that promote career progression are complex. It is true, to some extent those who get promoted tend to make strategic job changes to get there. There is a reality here, the person above you is unlikely to step aside to allow you to move to the next step.
When your hard work goes unnoticed or unappreciated over an extended period, it can lead to feelings of frustration and being “pigeonholed.” This lack of recognition may not just be an oversight; in some cases, it could be a subtle sign that your managers expect you to move on, rather than advance within the company. Rightly or wrongly, you are not on a crusade to win. You are on a journey, that starts with the first job and ends with retirement. What you do between those two markers is your life story. If you feel like you are a ‘victim’ of this, maybe it is time to reach out, using the contacts on this page and you may benefit from a life ‘MOT’
Tip: Keep a detailed record of your achievements and contributions to the team. This can be invaluable during performance reviews or when discussing your future with your manager. If you find that your accomplishments are consistently ignored, it might be time to consider whether the company’s culture aligns with your career aspirations. For those struggling with these challenges in Bromley, discussing your experiences with a therapist can help you navigate these feelings and plan your next steps. Reach out using the contacts on this page.
5. Gossip and Negativity: Navigating Colleague Behaviour
Gossip and negativity can permeate even the most professional environments. A workplace filled with rumours often indicates underlying issues, such as competition or employee dissatisfaction. Over time, this atmosphere can become toxic, leading to a decline in morale and making it difficult to focus on your work. If you’re aiming for a promotion, this type of environment can make the journey feel even lonelier, as colleagues may become rivals. One to watch is the type of gossip that is aimed to derail your credibility but is kept just above the lunch that it’s banter. Times are indeed changing, but the adage remains, all gloves are off when promotion is at stake, whatever the competitive angle, going for the person rather than the post is the oldest trick in the book. Just take a look at how politics plays out, pick any leading name in politics and do a word association.
Tip: It’s important to stay neutral and avoid participating in gossip, as this can quickly erode trust. When faced with negative conversations, try redirecting the discussion to more positive or constructive topics. However, if the negativity is pervasive and starts affecting your mental health, it may be worth considering a change. Our Bromley-based therapy practice can help you explore these dynamics and equip you with the tools to maintain your well-being, even in challenging work environments. There are strategies you can equip yourself to stay out of danger, the challenge is where you are in a work environment that has already typecast you. Perhaps you are the one who can quickly be drawn into disagreement, perhaps your buttons have already been mapped out by the competition. Remember it’s never too late to learn this stuff.
6. Bullying and Harassment: Recognising the Signs of Unacceptable Work Environments
Bullying and harassment are severe issues that can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This type of behaviour differs to that found in the playground, often sitting under the radar. Bullying in the workplace might not always be overt; it can manifest as subtle, ongoing emotional abuse that leaves you feeling isolated and powerless. The effects of such behaviour can extend beyond the workplace, affecting your personal life and mental health. Your family and friends may hold you high as someone in a titled office role, only for you to enter the viper’s nest every day, plotting your escape.
Advice: If you’re experiencing bullying or harassment at work, it’s essential to seek support. Document the incidents and, if possible, report them to your HR department or a trusted supervisor. However, addressing these issues alone can be overwhelming. Our therapy practice in Bromley offers a supportive environment where you can discuss your experiences and develop strategies to protect your well-being. Taking steps to safeguard your mental health is crucial, and professional guidance can be an important part of this process. Raising concerns with HR is a significant move, the firm has a duty of care, but the move is also a complex one, as the firm will also have built-in levers to protect its reputation, but of course must act under the legal obligations the firm is operating under. It cannot go unnoticed to look at any high-profile organisation to see that an issue that impacts one employee can be treated as an operational and financial risk issue. Just take a look at stories related to broadcasters, health and so on to see the road to reporting wrongdoing may not be as smooth as one would hope.
7. Victim’s Experience: The Psychological Impact of Workplace Bullying
Diminished Self-Esteem: Repeated bullying in the workplace can erode your self-confidence and sense of self-worth. Over time, this can affect not only your performance at work but also your personal life, leading to a pervasive sense of inadequacy.
Heightened Stress and Anxiety: The constant pressure of being targeted, however obscure can significantly increase your levels of stress and anxiety. This heightened state of distress may also lead to depression, further impacting your ability to perform effectively and maintain your physical health.
Social Withdrawal: As a coping mechanism, you might start isolating yourself from colleagues to avoid further harassment. This withdrawal can lead to feelings of loneliness and make the work environment even more challenging to navigate.
Feeling Powerless: In more severe cases, prolonged bullying can result in a sense of learned helplessness, where you feel completely powerless to change your situation. This can prevent you from seeking help or reporting the abuse, trapping you in a cycle of victimization.
8. Unrealistic Expectations: Facing Burnout at Work
Employees can often face unrealistic expectations from their managers or companies. Whether it’s an overwhelming workload, tight deadlines, or projects that seem impossible to complete, these pressures can lead to significant stress and eventual burnout. Over time, the constant demand to achieve the unachievable can erode your enthusiasm for your job, making each day feel like a battle. Some jobs allow for some respite, the start of projects for example everyone is open and friendly. When the pressure begins to tighten, so does the sphere of being reasonable.
Advice: Open a dialogue with your manager about your workload and the feasibility of meeting expectations. While it’s important to be a team player, it’s equally crucial to set boundaries that protect your mental health. If you find that your concerns are dismissed or that the pressure continues to mount, it might be a sign that the workplace is not sustainable for you. Our Bromley-based therapy practice can help you manage stress and develop coping strategies, ensuring you maintain your well-being even in high-pressure environments. The challenge to you is also how important the job is, if it is quite key for your current planning to work at this location for several years, you may have to take one for the team and save your sorrows for home. If you are struggling on this project, you may be unmarked from the next one. It is also worth noting, that this project might be bad, but the next one is under different management, do not compare work pressure and demand with toxic environments.
9. Poor Leadership: Navigating Dysfunctional Management in The Office
Poor leadership is a phrase that can be shared around the office, the perception that leaders lack the skills, experience, or empathy to lead effectively, can create confusion, low morale, and a lack of direction for the entire team. Poor leadership might manifest as inconsistent decision-making, lack of support, or an inability to address conflicts within the team. Is it that clear to call out?
[ here is the but] what is the firm’s deliverables, be careful not to shoot the messenger, even if that messenger is your boss. If the type of job is transactional, as discussed earlier, or the firm needs to meet a deadline set by external circumstances, then it could be more of the wrong place and the wrong time if you find yourself on the sharp end of ‘working’ mission impossible. Circumstance has a powerful effect of turning seasoned professionals into looking very average or simply not up to it. Just take a look at football, when the team is on the up, the manager is a superhero, perhaps when they manage the national team, the dynamics, and expectations are very different. Unless you are working in management shoes it’s very difficult to be able to judge the performance of those leading. You are simply not in those conversations on what it is they have been landed to deliver. This one is hard to call beyond how you are personally treated if it goes beyond the requirements of a difficult job in difficult times.
Advice: If you’re dealing with poor leadership, it’s important to protect your professional integrity. Seek mentorship from more experienced colleagues, or consider finding allies within the organisation who share your concerns, but be warned, descent can easily lead to dismissal, demotion or relocation. If the leadership issues are affecting your day-to-day well-being, it may be helpful to discuss these challenges in therapy. Our Bromley-based practice offers a space where you can explore your options, whether that’s finding ways to cope or planning a potential exit strategy from a dysfunctional workplace.
10. Lack of Training and Development: Feeling Stuck in Your Job
A lack of training and development opportunities is related to the opportunities the firm has in place for its employees. When employees aren’t given the chance to grow their skills or advance their careers, it can lead to feelings of stagnation and dissatisfaction. Over time, the absence of professional development can make you feel undervalued and trapped in a role that doesn’t offer any prospects.
Advice: If you’re not receiving adequate training or development opportunities, take the initiative to seek out resources on your own, such as online courses, workshops, or networking events. Additionally, communicate your desire for growth with your manager and express how further development can benefit both you and the company. If your requests for development are ignored, it might be time to consider your long-term career goals. Discussing your situation with a therapist can help you clarify your ambitions and decide on the best path forward. Our Bromley-based practice is here to support you in making informed and confident decisions about your career.
11. Lack of Autonomy: Feeling Trapped in Your Job
A lack of autonomy at work can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re eager to contribute your skills and ideas. In some workplaces, employees may find themselves micromanaged or excluded from decision-making processes, leading to a sense of stagnation. Over time, this lack of control over your work can sap your motivation and make you feel trapped in a role that doesn’t allow you to grow.
Advice: Communicate your desire for more autonomy with your manager and seek opportunities to take on new responsibilities or projects. Demonstrating your ability to handle tasks independently can help build trust and gradually increase your level of control over your work. However, if your efforts to gain more autonomy are consistently blocked, it might be time to reassess your career path. Our Bromley-based therapy services can help you explore these feelings and decide on the best course of action, whether that’s finding ways to thrive in your current role or considering a new opportunity.
12. Unrealistic Expectations: The Job You Thought You Had
When the expectations set by your manager or company are unrealistic or unattainable, it can lead to stress and burnout. Why are you given mission-impossible project deliverables? Perhaps you are indeed the best person for the job, and these are big-ticket business objectives. It has been known that managers who appeared to set unrealistic expectations for their team, would proudly reflect the performance of the team was second to known. The issue is, that showing gratitude for the work done is not part of the playbook for being asked to do ever more challenging pieces of work.
Advice: Communicate with your manager about your workload and expectations. This is one of the trickiest forms of negotiations there is, the management is often under immense pressure to deliver, and a conversation on doing less is not part of the agenda, and will most likely go down like a lead balloon
13. Struggling with Poor Work-Life Balance
Burnout from Long Hours, when your job demands long hours or keeps you tethered to work outside of regular business hours, it can quickly lead to burnout and overwhelming stress. This challenge is often tied to specific industries where high expectations are the norm, but it can take a heavy toll on your well-being.
Unclear Expectations, understanding what’s expected of you is crucial, especially when it comes to work-life balance. Surprises, like finding out your work-from-home arrangement means working every other day, can disrupt your life and lead to dissatisfaction. These expectations should be clearly communicated and understood during the interview process to avoid future conflict.
Advice: Setting firm boundaries is essential. While it can be difficult to push back against business objectives, prioritising your mental health and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is non-negotiable. Clear communication with your employer and self-discipline in managing your time can help you achieve this balance, even in demanding roles. Here is the challenge, how does working for this firm fit in with your current plans, when you have kids starting school, renovating the house, have planning next year’s holiday? Unless you are working as a hobby, the real world matters. It is not that you are being unreasonable, but for the most part, those above you have little capacity to meet, what could be quite reasonable employee expectations. Might be a sign that you take these imperfections, but planning your exit is on the cards.
14. Facing Resource Constraints: Overcoming Challenges in Empty Workplaces
A lack of necessary resources can be an issue even in the most renumerated workplaces. Perhaps a global company is trying to roll out a project from London, empowering the London team to work late in the day to link up with their remote colleagues on the other side of the world. Whether it’s inadequate staffing, outdated technology, or insufficient supplies, these constraints can make it difficult to perform your job effectively. Over time, this can lead to frustration, inefficiency, and a decline in job satisfaction. When employees are expected to achieve high performance without the proper tools, it can create an environment of constant stress and pressure.
Advice: Advocate for the resources you need to succeed. This might involve having a candid conversation with your manager about the specific tools or support required to meet your job expectations. If resource constraints are a persistent issue and you find your requests are continually ignored, it may be a sign that the organization is not prioritizing employee well-being or productivity. Discussing these challenges with a therapist can help you develop strategies to cope with these frustrations and decide whether it’s time to seek a more supportive work environment. Our Bromley-based practice is here to assist you in navigating these workplace challenges and maintaining your mental well-being. Be prepared for a candid response, it is what it is, be careful not to be the one who brings problems to the table, rather than solutions. In therapy, we can help you to find the right balance,
15. Toxic Competition: Navigating a Cut-Throat Environment
In some workplaces, competition among employees can become toxic, turning what should be healthy ambition into a cut-throat race for advancement. When the workplace culture encourages or even rewards this kind of rivalry, it can create a stressful and hostile environment where colleagues become adversaries, trust is eroded, and collaboration is rare. Over time, this kind of atmosphere can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and a sense of isolation, making it difficult to enjoy or even endure your job.
Advice: It’s crucial to maintain your integrity and focus on your own growth rather than getting caught up in the toxic competition around you. Set personal and professional goals that align with your values, and concentrate on achieving them in a way that doesn’t compromise your well-being or ethics. If the competitive environment is taking a toll on your mental health, it might be time to reassess your position or seek support. Our Bromley-based therapy practice can provide you with the tools to manage the stress of such a workplace and help you make decisions that prioritize your long-term well-being and career satisfaction.
