How to avoid toxic work environments
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 7:51 pm
Most people generally like what they do, it's the toxic work environment and office politics that wear you down.
Over the last few years, I've gotten smarter about job hunting. I read in between the lines in the job description and what the hiring manager says during the interview.
Job descriptions such as "fast paced" or "constantly changing requirements" are things I avoid. When I was in my 20's trying to grow my career, it was one thing, but now...I'm burnt out.
I also avoid companies who have consistently bad reviews on indeed or glassdoor.
I email people on linkedin who work in the organization and ask them for the no BS truth about the work environment. They respond...
I avoid companies that talk about a lot of perks such as doggy day care, or all kinds of onsite ammenities/perks. Historically when I've worked for these types of companies, I quickly realized they are setup to be a home away from home because you will live there working 80+ hours a week.
I avoid jobs that I see posted, delisted, and then posted months later for years on end. The companies in these situations are not big enough/grow enough to keep adding more of the same position, it's generally the same position turning over repeatedly. One company I worked at I saw the listings like that for years, and when I started working there and watched the position turn over several times during my short tenure, it clicked.
When I go in for interviews, I evaluate the work areas, including where I will be working. Is it noisy, are you cramped together with other people? Do the employees look like they hate each other or are they laughing and collaborating? Better to find out now that they have open work environments with no privacy walls.
The interview afterall, is not just about them evaluating you, but about you evaluating them to determine if it will be a mutually beneficial working relationship.
What are your tips?
Over the last few years, I've gotten smarter about job hunting. I read in between the lines in the job description and what the hiring manager says during the interview.
Job descriptions such as "fast paced" or "constantly changing requirements" are things I avoid. When I was in my 20's trying to grow my career, it was one thing, but now...I'm burnt out.
I also avoid companies who have consistently bad reviews on indeed or glassdoor.
I email people on linkedin who work in the organization and ask them for the no BS truth about the work environment. They respond...
I avoid companies that talk about a lot of perks such as doggy day care, or all kinds of onsite ammenities/perks. Historically when I've worked for these types of companies, I quickly realized they are setup to be a home away from home because you will live there working 80+ hours a week.
I avoid jobs that I see posted, delisted, and then posted months later for years on end. The companies in these situations are not big enough/grow enough to keep adding more of the same position, it's generally the same position turning over repeatedly. One company I worked at I saw the listings like that for years, and when I started working there and watched the position turn over several times during my short tenure, it clicked.
When I go in for interviews, I evaluate the work areas, including where I will be working. Is it noisy, are you cramped together with other people? Do the employees look like they hate each other or are they laughing and collaborating? Better to find out now that they have open work environments with no privacy walls.
The interview afterall, is not just about them evaluating you, but about you evaluating them to determine if it will be a mutually beneficial working relationship.
What are your tips?