4 Overlooked Signs of a Toxic Workplace
April marks Workplace Conflict Awareness Month, and tensions are hitting a boiling point. RTO mandates, record-high burnout rates, and an uncertain labor market aren’t making workplaces healthier. In fact, Google searches for “toxic workplace signs” surged 84% in the past month alone. Now, a new study has found that half of Gen Z have felt pressured to accept inappropriate behavior at work, revealing just how deep the problem runs. Here, we are shedding light on the overlooked workplace issues that erode employee well-being.
Challenge the idea thieves
Nothing hits like watching a clout-chasing coworker pitch your idea in a meeting like it just was revealed to them in a dream. Intellectual theft is shady, but it kills trust, blocks innovation, and makes collaboration virtually impossible. In a world where credit matters (thanks, LinkedIn!), people deserve recognition for their work. To fight this type of behavior, speak up in real time. If someone tries to run off with your idea, reclaim it: “That’s actually something I brought up earlier. I’d love to expand on it.” The first five seconds of awkwardness are definitely worth it.
Expose the subtle insults
Microaggressions are the sneaky little jabs that make people feel othered based on their identity. Often marketed as ‘just a joke’ or even a compliment, these low-key digs add up fast. ‘Where are you really from?’ is a school-book microaggression example. Or complimenting a person raised in the United States on their English simply because they are not white.
In a time when everyone’s feed is flooded with revenge quitting and corporate trauma stories, it’s clear microaggressions are making people rethink if their job is even worth it. Definitely worth talking about in a retrospective team meeting, one-on-one, or reporting to HR directly.
Unmask the workplace gaslighters
Ever had a coworker or manager make you question your own memory, twist your words, or act like you’re the problem when you call out their dishonest behavior? Welcome to the fascinating world of gaslighting, one of the most toxic mind games in the workplace.
It chips away at your confidence, making you second-guess everything, even your general sanity. Make your case against this behavior by gathering proof like email screenshots, receipts, and any other proof of their contradictions. Gaslighters thrive on confusion, but hard evidence makes their lies crumble. If they won’t stop, take your proof to HR.
Prevent emotional labor dumping
Some people can just treat you like their free therapist, mediator, or hype squad — and never return the favor. That’s emotional labor dumping, and it’s exhausting. Women and marginalized employees usually get hit hardest by this, expected to ‘soften’ conflicts, check in on team vibes, or be the unpaid support system.
Well, it’s time to set boundaries. A simple “I don’t have the bandwidth for this right now” or redirecting them to HR can work wonders. You’re not the office’s emotional support human. In fact, pets probably shouldn’t put up with this millennial-created role either.
Written by Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie