Toxic Work Culture

My dad used to say, “Don’t forget to use your coconut!” That was his way of reminding me to use my head to gather information, look at the facts, and measure my data for the best possible outcome, along with how I feel or intuit a situation. Over the years, I have seen his advice as true in that it is not enough to rely solely on logic and analysis, my coconut. I also need to use my gut to tap into what I know viscerally about my next step, the opportunity, and the people.

This is especially true when making important life choices like choosing a job or career path. Getting lost in the sea of information and advice is easy, and knowing which direction to take can be challenging. Fortunately, there is my dad’s helpful analogy to guide the decision-making process. It takes both the coconut and the gut to make a good decision, especially when avoiding a toxic work culture.

In this article, we’ll explore using your head and your gut to make informed decisions that lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling career.

Understanding Toxic Work Culture

A toxic work culture is characterized by negative factors that create stress, unhealthy conditions, and unproductivity. Typical signs of a toxic work environment include:

• Poor communication
• High turnover
• Micromanagement
• Discrimination and harassment
• Lack of support
• Overwork and underpayment
• Toxic coworkers
• Fear-based culture

Many of my clients have experienced this type of environment, and so have I. So, how do we avoid a toxic workplace from the start?

Five Steps to Avoid a Toxic Workplace

1. Do Your Research

Before applying for a job, research the company and read reviews from current and former employees on sites like Glassdoor. Look for patterns or recurring themes in the reviews that could indicate a toxic work environment. Check for high employee turnover or reasons employees left the company.

2. Ask Questions in the Interview

During the interview, ask about company culture, core values, management style, and employee retention. Questions like:

• How is performance recognized?
• Is there room to grow into leadership positions?

…can provide insight into whether the company is a good fit.

3. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off during research or interviews, trust your instincts. Pay attention to how you feel about the company and whether it aligns with your values.

4. Talk to Current Employees

Reach out to people who work there to get their perspective. Ask about workload, work-life balance, and overall morale. Insider insights can reveal culture issues that aren’t obvious from the outside.

5. Look for Signs of a Positive Workplace Culture

During interviews, look for companies that:

• Value employees
• Offer growth and development
• Support work-life balance
• Encourage collaboration and open communication

Even if no workplace is perfect, these indicators can help you avoid toxic environments.

Using Both Head and Gut

Ultimately, it’s essential to use both your head and your gut when evaluating a job opportunity. Gather information, consider the facts, and measure your data—but also trust your intuition about the people and the culture.

Even if you land in a toxic workplace despite your best efforts, remember: “Your circumstances may suck, but you don’t.” Then, use your coconut and gut to navigate toward something better. You don’t have to settle.

Ready to Take Control of Your Career?

If you’re ready to trust your head and your gut to find the right career path, book a free strategy session with me today. Let’s identify opportunities, clarify your goals, and create a plan for a thriving professional future.