3 Red Flags To Spot Toxic Cultures During The Interview Process

Have you ever realized that a company’s culture is toxic from the very beginning but ignored the red flags? Toxic cultures can have a huge impact on mental health, increasing stress, burnout and lack of confidence. However, fortunately, there are ways to identify them before it’s too late.

According to the 2023 Work in America Survey, 19% of respondents reported that their workplace was very or somewhat toxic. Not surprisingly, more than three-quarters (76%) of those who reported a toxic workplace also mentioned that their work environment harms their mental health. Employees in client/customer/patient services were more likely than office workers to characterize their workplace as “toxic”. Furthermore, people who work in person are more likely to report a toxic workplace than those who work fully remotely.

What is a toxic culture?

 Five attributes describe toxic cultures: disrespectful, non inclusive, unethical, cutthroat, and abusive. Usually, you can easily spot a toxic or “me” vs a collaborative or “we” culture when you are already an employee, the question is how to identify these behaviors during the interview process to avoid the company in the first place. Harvard Business Review describes three things to watch out for to stop yourself from joining a toxic workplace. 

1) Bad interview process:

When reflecting on your past job experiences, you may come to realize that you can often tell what the company culture is like during the interview process. It’s important to pay attention to the behavior of the interviewer and the overall atmosphere during the interview. If you notice any unprofessional conduct, such as disrespectful comments, disorganization, or a lack of courtesy, it may indicate a toxic workplace culture. Additionally, the communication process with the interviewer may provide insight into the company’s values. Poor communication, changing requirements mid-process, pushiness, and a lack of respect for your schedule could all be red flags. It’s also interesting to observe how the interviewer responds to questions about values, expectations, and timelines. Vague or unrealistic responses could indicate potential challenges if you were to accept the job.

2) What current employees say — and don’t say

There are multiple ways to find out what employees think about a company. The first is by researching the company on platforms like Glassdoor. Pay attention to employee reviews, especially those that highlight toxic workplace culture, poor management, or high turnover rates. Consistent negative feedback can be a clear red flag.

The second way is by asking the employees during the interview process. Remember, this is not only their time to test you but also your chance to test them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that are important to you. You can inquire about culture and values, turnover rates, and work-life balance. Researchers suggest that “most individuals who are still employed won’t be candid, but you can study and read between the lines of what they say and don’t say”. For example, comments like “We believe in employees owning their own career development” or “the organization is flat” can be red flags, indicating poor career support. To gain more insight, ask more probing questions.

The third and best way to learn more about the employee experience is by reaching out to people you know who work for the company. You can identify current employees on LinkedIn and even reach out to them if they are in your network.

3) High turnover rates

One red flag that indicates a toxic company is when you notice that most interviewers have only been with the company for a few months. You can ask them how long they’ve been working there to get an idea of the turnover rate. A large number of job openings could mean that the company is growing, but it could also indicate a high turnover rate resulting from toxicity. You can also ask why the job is open, to find out if it’s due to employee development, restructuring, a layoff, or resignation.

It is important to identify a toxic workplace during the interview process in order to safeguard your professional well-being. You can do this by researching the company, asking thoughtful questions, and paying attention to subtle cues. If you start feeling stressed during the interview, trust your intuition. Remember, a job interview is not just an opportunity for the employer to evaluate you, but also a chance for you to evaluate the potential employer. Making informed decisions based on these factors can lead to a fulfilling and healthy career.