Ask a Career Advisor: What Makes a Workplace Toxic?

Workplaces should foster growth, creativity, and satisfaction. But what happens when your work environment feels like it’s holding you down?

The term “toxic workplace” gets thrown around a lot, but what really defines one, and how can you tell if your job’s just challenging… or something more harmful?

We spoke to Certified Career Coach and Advisor Lori Cole to break it all down and offer actionable tips if you find yourself stuck in a negative work environment.

What Is a Toxic Workplace?

You’re not alone if you’ve felt bogged down by poor leadership or interpersonal issues at work. According to iHire’s 2025 Toxic Workplace Trends Report, 3 out of 4 employees have experienced a toxic workplace at some point in their careers. But what exactly makes a workplace toxic?

“A toxic workplace is one where harmful behaviors and attitudes negatively impact employees’ well-being, morale, and productivity,” said Cole. “It often stems from poor leadership, unclear communication, unfair treatment, or an unhealthy company culture that promotes blame, favoritism, or even bullying.”

Common signs of workplace toxicity, based on iHire’s research, include:

What makes/made that workplace toxic? (Select all that apply.) Figure 2

If any of these behaviors resonate, it may be time to evaluate your workplace under a closer lens.

Toxic or Just Challenging? Key Differences to Look Out For

We all encounter work challenges and periods of stress, whether it be meeting tight deadlines, managing conflicts, or simply adjusting to a new role. But how do you differentiate between a “challenging workplace” and one that’s truly toxic?

“Signs of a challenging, not toxic, environment include good support systems and encouragement from leadership during stressful times, along with clearly communicated expectations – even if they are ambitious,” Cole explained. “A challenging workplace will also push you to grow while acknowledging your efforts and rewarding your progress.”

What about the red flags for toxicity?

“Watch out for deeper, systemic issues,” Cole continued. “If you’re constantly undermined, burned out, ignored, or gaslit, then your workplace isn’t just temporarily stressful. It’s toxic.”

Here’s how to tell the difference:

• Short-term stretch assignments turn into unrealistic expectations
• Leadership does not help resolve conflicts fairly, and lets gossip and infighting prevail
• Your efforts are consistently overlooked and unappreciated, no matter how hard you work

If a workplace consistently invalidates your contributions or prioritizes blame over collaboration, it may not be a temporary problem.

Redefining Your Work Environment

Nobody should feel drained, unappreciated, or unsafe at work. Recognizing workplace toxicity is the first step toward reclaiming your career, whether you choose to work internally to resolve challenges or look for opportunities elsewhere.

“Leaving doesn’t always need to be the first solution, but self-worth and career progress should never take a backseat to workplace problems. Your job should complement your life, not control it,” Cole concluded.

Check out iHire’s comprehensive Job Seeker Resource Center for more expert advice, templates, and actionable strategies to empower your professional life, and when you’re ready to explore new opportunities, dive into our database of curated and verified jobs.