Hoping to Get a New Job Post-Pandemic? Here’s How to Figure Out What You Actually Want

Leave the Toxic Work Environment & Discovering a Job That is Both Fulfilling and Challenging

Toxic work environments can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and even burnout. You may be struggling to find a job that fulfills your career aspirations and supports you emotionally. Understanding what is making a work environment toxic and changing it from within the organization is a good first step. But when it’s not possible, it’s time to reflect and move forward to a company that gives you support and purpose.

Working in a toxic workplace can have a negative impact on your mental and physical health, as well as your overall job satisfaction. From bullying and harassment to unrealistic expectations and poor management, there are several negatives to working in a toxic environment. In this article, we'll explore some of them. We’ll also provide you with the right tools to make changes within your current role or move forward to a different one.

Trying to affect change from within can be a daunting task. Finding a new job that satisfies your career aspirations and provides a positive and challenging work environment can be outright frightening. However, with the right strategies and insights, you can increase your chances of success, whether you choose to stay in your current role, or leave for something that meets your needs and helps you achieve your professional goals.

Negative impact on mental health.

One of the biggest downsides of working in a toxic work environment is the negative impact it can have on your mental health. Constant stress, anxiety, and fear can lead to depression, insomnia, and other mental health issues. Additionally, toxic workplaces often lack support systems for employees who are struggling with their mental health, which can make it even more difficult to cope. It's important to prioritize your mental health and seek help if you're experiencing any negative effects from working in a toxic environment.

Decreased job satisfaction and motivation.

Working in a toxic work environment can lead to decreased job satisfaction and motivation. When employees are constantly exposed to negativity, criticism, and micromanagement, they may start to feel demotivated and disengaged from their work. This can lead to decreased productivity, poor performance, and even burnout. In addition, toxic workplaces often lack opportunities for growth and development, which can further contribute to these feelings of dissatisfaction and demotivation.

Increased stress and anxiety.

One of the biggest downsides of working in a toxic work environment is increased stress and anxiety. Constant exposure to negativity, criticism, and micromanagement can take a toll on an employee's mental health, leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. This can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue, as well as emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, chronic stress and anxiety can lead to more serious mental health problems such as depression and burnout.

Poor communication and lack of teamwork.

Another major downside of working in a toxic work environment is poor communication and lack of teamwork. In a toxic workplace, employees may feel isolated and unsupported, leading to a breakdown in communication and collaboration. This can result in missed deadlines, mistakes, and a lack of accountability. Additionally, toxic workplaces may foster a culture of competition rather than cooperation, leading to a lack of teamwork and a focus on individual success rather than the success of the team as a whole. This can lead to a toxic cycle of blame and finger-pointing, further eroding trust and communication within the workplace.

Higher turnover rates and difficulty retaining employees.

Toxic work environments often lead to higher turnover rates and difficulty retaining employees. When employees feel unsupported, undervalued, and unappreciated, they are more likely to leave their job in search of a better work environment. This can be costly for employers, as they must spend time and resources recruiting and training new employees. Additionally, high turnover rates can lead to a decrease in morale and productivity among remaining employees, as they may feel overworked and understaffed. Overall, a toxic work environment can create a negative cycle of turnover and low morale, making it difficult for employers to retain top talent.

Pull workplace toxicity out by the root.

Before you can effectively change a toxic workplace culture, it's important to identify the root causes of the toxicity. This may involve examining the leadership style, communication patterns, and organizational structure of your workplace. It may also involve gathering feedback from employees and conducting surveys to better understand the issues at play. Once you have a clear understanding of the root causes of toxicity, you can begin to develop a plan for addressing them.

Build a coalition of like-minded colleagues.

Changing a toxic workplace culture can be challenging, but it's not something you have to do alone. Building a coalition of like-minded colleagues can help you gain support and momentum for your efforts. Look for colleagues who share your concerns about the toxic culture and who are willing to work with you to make positive changes. This coalition can serve as a sounding board for ideas, provide emotional support, and help you navigate any resistance you may encounter. Together, you can create a more positive and productive workplace culture.

Communicate openly and honestly with leadership.

One of the most important steps in changing a toxic workplace culture is to communicate openly and honestly with leadership. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it's essential to address the issues head-on. Start by identifying specific examples of toxic behavior or practices that are negatively impacting the workplace. Be clear about the impact these behaviors are having on employees and the organization as a whole. Offer suggestions for how things could be improved and be prepared to listen to feedback from leadership. Remember to approach the conversation with a solutions-oriented mindset and a willingness to work together to create positive change.

Implement small changes to start shifting the culture.

While changing a workplace culture takes time, it's important to remember that small changes can make a big difference. Start by identifying one or two areas where you can make a positive impact. This could be something as simple as starting a weekly team-building activity or implementing a recognition program for employees who go above and beyond. By focusing on small changes, you can start to shift the culture in a positive direction and build momentum for larger changes down the road. Remember, culture change is a marathon, not a sprint.

Hold yourself and others accountable for maintaining a positive work environment.

One of the most important steps in changing a toxic workplace culture is holding yourself and others accountable for maintaining a positive work environment. This means setting clear expectations for behavior and communication, and addressing any negative behavior or attitudes as soon as they arise. It also means recognizing and rewarding positive behavior, and encouraging others to do the same. By creating a culture of accountability, you can help ensure that everyone is working together to create a healthy and productive workplace.

Start the search with your career goals and values.

If you find that after the hard work has been put in to change the organization from within to no avail, it’s time to start looking for a new job. Remember, you’re now willing to take a leap of faith because of the toxicity you are leaving behind. Before you start your job search, it’s important to identify your career goals and values. What do you want to achieve in your career? What kind of work environment do you thrive in? What are your core values and how do they align with the company culture? Take some time to reflect on these questions and write down your answers. This will help you narrow down your job search and focus on opportunities that align with your goals and values.

Research industries and companies that align with your goals and values.

Once you have identified your career goals and values, it’s time to research industries and companies that align with them. Look for companies that have a mission and values that resonate with you. Check out their websites, social media pages, and employee reviews to get a sense of their culture and work environment. You can also attend career fairs and networking events to learn more about different industries and companies. By doing your research, you can narrow down your job search and focus on opportunities that are a good fit for you.

Network with professionals in your desired field.

Networking is a crucial aspect of finding a job that is both fulfilling and challenging. Reach out to professionals in your desired field and ask for informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities. Attend industry events and conferences to meet people and learn about new trends and developments. Join professional organizations and online communities to connect with like-minded individuals and stay up-to-date on industry news. By building relationships with professionals in your desired field, you can gain valuable insights and potentially even land a job through a referral.

Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application.

One of the most important steps in finding a job that is both fulfilling and challenging is to customize your resume and cover letter for each job application. This shows potential employers that you have taken the time to research their company and understand their specific needs and requirements. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and use your cover letter to explain why you are a good fit for the position and the company culture. This extra effort can make a big difference in standing out from other applicants and landing the job you want.

Prepare for interviews with tact

Once you have secured an interview, you may find it tempting to bring up negative experiences simply to bring them up, from complaining about a previous manager to speaking negatively about the organization as a whole. Be careful not to bring subjectivity into the interview, no matter how accurate it is. Your interviewer won’t be able to discern that, or worse, they will think you’re complaining. Instead, take your experiences and form objective stories about how you took on challenges. Behavioral interview questions hinge on anecdotal evidence, so turn your negative experiences into a positive one by showing how your solution got you past it.