Toxic workplace: examples, test, and first steps for those affected

Toxic workplace: The most important facts in brief

• A workplace is considered toxic when negative behavior patterns persist and do not improve despite warnings.
• Typical characteristics of a toxic workplace include micromanagement, derogatory communication, withholding of information, overload, unequal treatment, and fear of repercussions.
• The consequences of a toxic workplace include declining performance, ongoing stress, and long-term health risks.
• Important countermeasures include documenting toxic situations in writing, setting boundaries, documentation, communication within the team, and, if necessary, involving the human resources department or works council.
• Termination is appropriate when boundaries are consistently crossed and change is not achievable.
• For a fresh start, platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and local job portals offer a good overview of suitable positions.
• Objective reviews on kununu or Glassdoor can warn others without incurring legal risks.

What is a toxic workplace? 

In a toxic workplace, recurring situations or behaviors noticeably impair the quality of work, personal well-being, or performance. 

A typical characteristic of a toxic workplace is that problems occur regularly, become entrenched, and are almost impossible to avoid in everyday working life. It becomes toxic when negative patterns persist and are difficult to improve. This does not refer to individual conflicts or high levels of stress.

Toxic work environment vs. stressful job

A stressful job is caused by a heavy workload or tight deadlines. Despite the pressure, cooperation usually remains predictable: agreements work, information is available, and criticism is possible. A toxic environment, on the other hand, is characterized by:

• Constant uncertainty. You never know how the day will turn out.
• Unreliable or contradictory communication.
• Behavior that undermines respect or trust.
• Problems that recur repeatedly, even after warnings or discussions.

Real examples of toxic workplaces from Reddit

Reddit is a major internet forum that functions as a social network for sharing text posts, images, and videos. Users generally engage in very open and honest discussions there, so you can also find authentic descriptions of toxic workplaces.

*Quotes translated from german originals

„ People gossip about everything and everyone, but face to face we're a team and we all laugh together. Yeah, suuuuure" 

An apprentice describes a culture in which colleagues are constantly talked about behind their backs, while harmony is maintained in public. Toxic patterns: double standards, mistrust, toxic team dynamics. Source

"...a person who complains to the boss about every little thing, which has already led to people being threatened with dismissal."
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A training cohort experiences internal complaints being escalated immediately and threats of dismissal hanging in the air. Toxic patterns: climate of fear, denunciation, lack of conflict resolution. Source

"One missing smile... one wrong look and I'm afraid I'll be fired." 

One employee describes constant fear of being fired during the probationary period for minor reasons. Toxic patterns: insecurity, psychological pressure, unclear expectations. Source

"You need help from colleagues and you're not getting it." 

One user describes an environment in which support is systematically lacking, even though it is necessary for the work. Toxic patterns: passive resistance, isolation, "every man for himself." Source

"Be nice and polite to those who are subservient... and put down the rest..." 

Here, toxic boss behavior is described as a pattern: flattery toward followers, belittling others. Toxic patterns: favoritism, power games, humiliation. Source

12 characteristics and warning signs: How can I recognize a toxic workplace?

A toxic workplace is characterized by negative behavior patterns occurring regularly and permanently impairing cooperation. Typical signs include a lack of trust, derogatory communication, withholding of information, unfair treatment, constant overload, and unresolved conflicts. If several of these points exist at the same time and nothing improves despite warnings, it is usually a toxic workplace.

• Micromanagement and lack of trust: The supervisor controls every step, constantly intervenes in details, and rarely allows independent decisions. Tasks take longer because approvals or queries are constantly required.
• Unclear or conflicting expectations: Goals change at short notice, targets are vague or contradict previous statements.
• Derogatory communication: Criticism is phrased in a personal manner, there is a lack of appreciation, and conversations are tense or conducted in a commanding tone. Suggestions or ideas are regularly dismissed or ignored.
• Blame instead of problem solving: Mistakes are attributed to individuals, even if the causes lie in the process or the team. A constructive approach to problems does not develop.
• Withholding information: Important information is deliberately delayed or not passed on. This makes it harder for those affected to do their jobs or makes them seem unprepared.
• Clique formation and exclusion: Some members of the team receive benefits, access to supervisors, or informal information. Others are excluded, overlooked, or systematically isolated.
• Frequent conflicts without lasting solutions: Points of contention regularly resurface because the underlying causes are not discussed. Conflicts tend to lead to distance or hostility rather than clear agreements.
• Overwork as the norm: Workload, pace, or expectations are consistently higher than realistic. Breaks, relaxation, or adequate planning are rare. Overtime becomes the norm.
• No recognition or appreciation: Successes are taken for granted. Feedback is rare or one-sidedly negative. Achievements are not acknowledged or are publicly belittled.
• Unequal treatment: Rules do not apply equally to everyone. Some individuals receive special privileges, while others are judged more harshly. Decisions appear unfair or arbitrary.
• Fear of reactions: Colleagues avoid addressing problems because they expect negative consequences. Criticism leads to sanctions, poorer treatment, or exclusion from decisions.
• High turnover or frequent sick leave: Many leave within a short period of time or take sick leave.

How can I test whether my workplace is toxic?

The more of the following questions you answer Yes, the more likely it is that you have a toxic work environment:

• Am I heavily monitored in my work or frequently restricted in details?
• Do I often not know exactly what is expected of me or what the priorities are?
• Do I encounter derogatory comments, disrespectful language, or unnecessary harshness?
• Do I find that mistakes tend to lead to blame rather than solutions?
• Do I therefore tend to hide mistakes?
• Is important information being withheld or passed on late?
• Are there distinct cliques within the team; are individual people excluded?
• Do conflicts keep recurring without being resolved?
• Am I constantly overworked or regularly working beyond my limits?
• Do I rarely or never receive recognition for good work?
• Do I find it difficult to address problems openly because I expect negative consequences?

Classification:

These points will help you classify your initial assumption:

• Do things improve if I address problems openly?
• Do colleagues experience similar situations or stresses?
• Do the patterns persist for weeks or months?

What are the consequences of a toxic work environment?

A toxic work environment affects team morale and impairs performance, health, and long-term development. The effects impact both individuals and the company.

Short-term consequences of a toxic work environment for individuals

• decreased concentration and reduced performance
• increased tension, nervousness, or sleep problems
• Constant inner restlessness and vigilance when dealing with superiors or colleagues
• lower motivation and less commitment

Long-term consequences of a toxic work environment for individuals

• Increased and constant exhaustion, increased risk of burnout
• persistent emotional stress, e.g. due to anxiety or frustration
• Withdrawal from cooperation, projects, or responsibility
• reduced self-esteem and doubts about one's own competence

Consequences of a toxic work environment for the company

• increasing staff turnover and loss of expertise
• more frequent absences and sick leave
• declining productivity and lower quality of work
• difficulties in recruiting personnel due to negative employer image

What can I do if my workplace is toxic?

In a toxic workplace, it helps to identify stressful situations, set clear boundaries, document incidents in writing, talk to colleagues, involve official bodies, and prepare possible alternatives.

1. Describe situations: Describe stressful events: What happened? Who was involved? What impact did it have? 
2. Set your own boundaries: Determine what behavior is acceptable to you and what is not. Keep these boundaries short and specific, for example: "I need clear instructions" or "I want to work without derogatory comments."
3. Document events: Keep a factual record with dates, people involved, and situations.
4. Seek allies: Talk to colleagues you trust. If similar observations are made repeatedly, this confirms the pattern and strengthens your position in discussions with supervisors or the human resources department.
5. Involve official bodies: If discussions within the team are ineffective, seek advice from the human resources department, the works council, or another official body within the company. They will be able to assess what options and steps are available.
6. Reduce your own stress: Ensure you get sufficient rest and relaxation, stick strictly to your working hours, and seek medical help if you experience symptoms such as sleep problems or constant exhaustion.
7. Prepare an exit option: If no improvements are foreseeable, it makes sense to consider other options for your future career path. Update your resume, activate your network, and look into job opportunities. Being in a position to leave also strengthens your negotiating position internally.

Should I quit or stay in a toxic workplace?

Whether it makes sense to quit or stay depends on whether the stressful patterns can be changed or at least whether there is any sign of improvement. Quitting is advisable if your boundaries are constantly being crossed and internal attempts to find a solution have had no effect.

Criteria that speak in favor of a temporary stay:

• There are specific areas for improvement.
• Discussions with supervisors or the human resources department are proving effective.
• The team offers you support and assists with necessary changes.
• Stressful situations can be limited and become less frequent.
• Your personal stability and resilience are still sufficient to wait out the coming changes.

Criteria that speak in favor of termination:

• Despite discussions, your boundaries continue to be crossed.
• Criticism leads to negative reactions or discrimination.
• The leadership shows no interest in change.
• The strain on your health is increasing, you are not getting any better in the long term, or you are even getting worse.
• The toxic behavior is structurally embedded and affects many areas.

What happens next when a toxic workplace has no future?

If a workplace is permanently toxic and no realistic improvement is to be expected, then look ahead. On job portals, you can quickly find offers that broaden your horizons and show you that there are indeed other opportunities out there for you.

On LinkedIn, you can filter by company, industry, and working model. Indeed, StepStone, and similar platforms display a wide range of current job openings. It is also worth taking a regional look, for example via job portals of local newspapers, municipal career platforms, or company websites in your area.

Leaving a toxic employer often triggers strong emotions. Honestly examine whether you feel any desire for revenge. Openly disparaging, spreading rumors, or making negative statements about individuals or companies can have legal consequences, such as defamation. It is wise not to give in to these impulses and instead invest your energy in your own new beginning.

Nevertheless, you can protect others from problematic structures. An objective and accurate review on platforms such as kununu or Glassdoor is an effective way to expose abuses without attacking anyone personally. Stick to verifiable facts, describe working conditions, and avoid personal accusations. This will help other applicants while protecting your own position.

Tip: Never speak badly about former employers during job interviews, as this never goes down well. However, you can certainly mention that you had different ideas about what constitutes a healthy workplace and that this is why you are changing jobs. Your interviewer will appreciate statements of this kind.