7 subtle signs your workplace has a toxic culture, according to psychology

Sometimes, it’s not the workload or the deadlines that make work unbearable.

It’s the subtle, hard-to-pinpoint signs of a toxic culture creeping in. The kind of things you brush off as “just how things are” — until they start affecting your mental well-being.

I’ve been there, telling myself it’s “not that bad” or that I’m just being too sensitive. But the truth is, a toxic work environment doesn’t always announce itself with flashing red lights.

It seeps in through unspoken rules, odd behaviors, and uncomfortable moments that you can’t quite put your finger on.

If you’ve had a nagging feeling that something’s off but can’t figure out what it is, it might be time to look a little closer.

Here are 7 subtle signs your workplace has a toxic culture — and why they’re more dangerous than you might think.

1) Constant criticism

There’s a clear difference between constructive feedback and constant criticism.

In a healthy workplace, constructive feedback is encouraged. It helps us grow, learn, and improve at what we do. It’s generally given in a respectful and supportive manner with the aim of bettering performance.

However, in a toxic workplace culture, criticism is more often than not destructive rather than constructive.

It’s constant, demoralizing, and aimed at belittling rather than building up. It’s often given publicly, with the aim to embarrass rather than educate.

This kind of constant criticism can create a culture of fear and anxiety, where individuals are scared to make mistakes or take risks. This is one of the key signs that you might be dealing with a toxic workplace culture.

So take note: Are you constantly being criticized? Is it constructive and aimed at your growth? Or is it destructive and aimed at tearing you down?

The answers to these questions may reveal more about your workplace culture than you think.

2) High turnover rate

In my early career, I worked in a company where we had a new face in the office nearly every month. It was a fast-paced environment and initially, I thought it was just the nature of the industry.

But as I stayed longer, I noticed a pattern. Talented individuals would join, work for a few months, and then leave.

The cycle was continuous, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that it wasn’t because of the industry – it was because of the toxic work environment.

A high turnover rate is a common sign of a toxic workplace culture. When employees are unhappy, they leave.

If you notice that your colleagues are frequently quitting or getting fired, it may be an indication of larger issues at play.

3) Lack of communication

Ever tried piecing together a puzzle without all the pieces? That’s exactly what it feels like when communication is lacking in the workplace.

When communication is clear, open, and respectful, it builds trust, fosters collaboration, and makes everyone feel like they’re rowing the boat in the same direction.

But when it’s not, everything starts to feel disjointed.

A toxic workplace often leaves employees guessing.

Instructions are vague, updates are withheld, and feedback is either nonexistent or delivered in a way that leaves people feeling small.

Misunderstandings become the norm, and simple tasks suddenly feel like high-stakes challenges.

Over time, this lack of clarity can erode morale, making people feel undervalued and overlooked.

If you find yourself constantly chasing answers or feeling left out of critical conversations, it’s a sign that your workplace may have a serious communication problem.

4) Lack of empathy

In a healthy workplace, there’s a level of understanding and empathy amongst colleagues.

There’s an acknowledgment that everyone has lives outside of work, and sometimes, personal issues may affect work performance.

In a toxic workplace, however, there’s a glaring lack of empathy. Personal problems are dismissed or ignored, and there’s an expectation to leave your personal life at the door.

When you’re going through a rough patch, instead of support, you might face indifference or even criticism.

This lack of empathy can lead to increased stress and lower job satisfaction. It can also create an environment where employees feel undervalued and unappreciated.

5) No work-life balance

I remember a time when I found myself answering work emails at home late at night, working through the weekends, and even during holidays.

The boundaries between my professional life and personal life had blurred to a point where I was constantly stressed and felt like I was always “on.”

No work-life balance is another subtle sign of a toxic workplace culture. When your work begins to intrude on your personal life on a regular basis, it can lead to burnout and can negatively impact your mental health.

A workplace that respects its employees understands the importance of time off for rest and rejuvenation.

On the contrary, a toxic workplace tends to disregard this balance, often expecting employees to be available round the clock.

So think about this: Are you able to switch off from work during your off-hours? Or are you constantly expected to be available? If it’s the latter, you might be dealing with a toxic workplace culture.

6) Favoritism

Does it ever feel like the same few people always get the best projects, the most praise, or the “lucky breaks” at work?

If so, you might be dealing with favoritism — one of the most demoralizing signs of a toxic work culture.

It’s one thing for managers to have natural rapport with certain employees. But when promotions, perks, and praise are handed out based on personal preference rather than merit, it can poison the entire team dynamic.

Employees who feel overlooked start to disengage, and resentment begins to brew. Over time, it creates a “why bother?” mentality where people stop giving their best effort because they know it won’t be recognized.

If you notice the same names getting all the glory while others are left to pick up the slack, it’s a clear sign that favoritism has taken root — and it’s one of the hardest cultural issues to fix.

7) Fear-based leadership

The most destructive element of a toxic workplace is fear-based leadership.

When leaders use fear as a tool to motivate or control employees, it can cause immense stress and anxiety.

Rather than fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, it creates a culture of fear where employees are scared to speak up, make mistakes, or step out of line.

Fear-based leadership is not only detrimental to the mental health of employees, but it also restricts creativity, innovation, and growth. It’s a clear sign of a toxic workplace and something you should never overlook.

Final thoughts: It’s about respect

At the heart of it all, a positive workplace culture is anchored in respect. Respect for individual differences, respect for personal boundaries, and respect for the collective effort that every team member brings to the table.

In a toxic workplace, this fundamental element of respect is often missing. It’s replaced by criticism, miscommunication, favoritism, and fear.

So as you reflect on these seven signs of a toxic workplace culture, consider not just your place within it, but also the broader impact it has on your well-being. Because no job is worth sacrificing your mental health over.

Remember, everyone deserves to be in an environment where they feel valued, heard and respected. If your workplace isn’t providing that, it might be time to reconsider whether it’s the right place for you.