Overlooking the early signs of a toxic workplace can quietly damage your organization’s reputation, morale, and ability to retain good people. In a small business especially, even one disruptive behavior or one disconnected leader can affect the entire team.

In many cases, workplace toxicity isn’t intentional. It often grows out of everyday pressures and gaps such as overworked leaders, unclear processes, lack of training, gatekeeping, micromanagement, or a lingering “this is how we’ve always done it” mindset. Over time, these issues can take root and create a culture of frustration, disengagement, and mistrust.

Signs toxicity may be creeping in

So how do you know if toxicity may be creeping into your workplace? Below are common signs to look for:

• Communication is poor, inconsistent, or avoided
  • Employees aren’t clear on priorities or how decisions are made
  • Important information is shared with only a select few
  • Feedback is rare or only given when something goes wrong
     
• Conflict is either constant or never addressed
  • Employees dread working with certain coworkers
  • Leaders avoid stepping in to “keep the peace”
  • Small issues are allowed to fester until they turn into major blowups
     
• Burnout is treated as normal
  • Employees work through illness or regularly skip breaks
  • Taking time off is discouraged or comes with guilt
  • Turnover shows a pattern of people leaving due to stress or exhaustion
• Favoritism or inconsistency in leadership
  • Rules and policies aren’t applied evenly
  • Some employees receive more opportunities, flexibility, or access than others
  • Exceptions are made without explanation, creating confusion and resentment
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• Employees don’t feel safe speaking up (lack of psychological safety)
  • Employees agree publicly but complain privately
  • New ideas are rare or quickly shut down
  • HR or leadership feels unapproachable​​​​​​​