BEFORE YOU SAY YES! How To identify a toxic work environment before accepting an offer.
Let's be honest, it feels good to be sought after by an employer. Yes, we know we are qualified and capable but to grab the attention of an employer...can fill one with a sense of pride or accomplishment. But before we say yes to said employer, let's be sure it's not a toxic work environment. Personal lives are already full of its own adventures, the last thing anyone wants is to be working in a toxic work environment. Well, let me not over generalize, the last thing that I want is to be in a toxic work environment. Let's face it, an employer won't show all of their cards but it's important for job seekers to do their own homework and dig a little deeper. If we don't, it could cost us in the long run, trust me I know from personal experience. Let me tell ya, it's not fun and it can take a toll on your physical, mental, and spiritual well being. And if you ask me, there is no employer worth peace of mind. I know we are currently in the era of “securing the bag”(getting money) like the young folks like to say but you can get a bag elsewhere from a place that values its most important and precious assets, the people! There are employers that take good care of their employees and show appreciation and tolerating an employer who does not is not necessary. So before you say YES to the job, let's do some work.
The American Psychological Association conducted a 2023 work in America study that focuses on the changing landscape of workplace expectations of employees. The results show there is still work to be done in some places and there are some employers who have made strong efforts in taking care of their employees. The findings in this article concluded that nearly one in five employees experience toxic work environments. I don’t know about you but I am not willing to endure toxicity for the money bag. I would rather find a better match. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe any place is perfect, but when you are dealing with constant stress, micromanagers, mental and physical health being put at risk then it’s time to exit stage left. Basically, it’s time to plan your exit strategy. You deserve better than toxic and if you need support connect with me.
So before you say yes to the job, do your research. A few places to check when trying to determine if this employer or environment is toxic or not, are:
Company Websites
Take a deep dive into the mission and vision, and the work that the company does. Check out what’s said about the culture and employees and is it backed up with evidence on the website? Sometimes there are words but no evidence and if that’s the case one may wonder if this is just lip service to draw more people in. Don’t be sucked in by lip service.
Job Description
Remember to review the job description again and again. The job description is not for you to just go to the requirements section to see if you qualify. Really review what the company is asking for the person to do. Is this the kind of job you are looking for? Does it sound like a good match for you? Does it sound like you will be overworked because they’ve decided to roll about 5 jobs into one. Pay attention to these key factors.
Social Media
Companies may use one social more than the other but what’s important as a prospective employee is that you take a look. Trust me they are out there and we often see things played out in news outlets for something that was posted by a rep of the company or the company that was not favorable or that was celebrated by many. Check their pages out, Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, wherever they are, take a look for more insight. What is the company posting? What kind of pictures do you see? Remember the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”. I’m not talking about extreme editing and photoshop. I am talking about candid photos at company outings. Take inventory of what you see and does this align with where you would want to be?
These are just a few things to think about before saying Yes to the job. We give employers a lot of our time and doing a little research to make sure it's right for you is worth it. Well at least to me it is. If you need support taking a deep dive or want to chat about other things concerning your career decisions connect with me. I’d love to hear from you.
Your Career Friend,
Shatoya
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being
