Identifying a toxic job environment in Nigeria may not be easy to spot as there are a lot of organizations living under the umbrella of pretense. These organizations have their employees living in fear of losing their jobs if such toxicity is being confronted or spilled out to the public.
Toxicity in a workplace is characterized by unhealthy relationships in the workplace mostly between employers and their employees, superiors and their colleagues. It could involve bullying, blame-shifting, yelling, insults, manipulation, and stress. Anything and everything that contradicts appropriate morals is unethical. Victims of a toxic job environment are often treated with disrespect, unappreciation, humiliation, and threats of being sent off the job. However, the high level of unemployment has made most employees live with the toxicity because they are scared of losing their jobs and not finding another.
Check Out Some Factors That Contribute To a Toxic Workplace Environment!
There are various factors contributing to toxicity in the workplace. Some of these are:
Hierarchy
The level of hierarchy in a workplace is one of the significant contributions to a toxic workplace. The position of power and superiority has led to constant bullying between the superiors and junior staff in the workplace, resulting in constant control of the employees or colleagues working under them. This abuse of power is being exercised because the words of the superior are often accepted over their junior colleagues, while the victims are being reprimanded for lackadaisical attitude to work to cover up.
Favoritism
This is mostly done through nepotism or prioritizing a staff over the others. There are different kinds of relationships that transcend employer and employee relationships in the workplace and this often affects the other staff as the favorite is at liberty to behave anyhow without caution. Also, the level of hard work and diligence contributed by other staff is often less appreciated because of favoritism.
Age difference
Staff who are older tend to bully other staff who are not as old as they are. They bring up the phrase that constantly reminds the other party that they are not age mates. The fact that society has made respecting an older person a culture that has to be followed strictly has caused a lot of issues between older staff making their juniors feel inferior because of their age.
Unemployment
The high unemployment rate has made many employees concur with whatever toxicity they face at work, and employers also make it worse for them by telling their staff they won’t get a decent job elsewhere if they try leaving their workplace. Rather than leaving, the victims of toxic work environments stay, and endure in order not to lose their means of income.
Connection with Superiors within the organization
People in this category continually exercise all forms of immorality and disrespect because they have a way out if any issue arises. They see themselves as people above the law due to the high level of connections that they have in high places.
Lack of ethical boundaries and discipline
In an organization that lacks ethical boundaries and discipline, you will mostly notice a pattern of disregard for employee time most especially outside working hours. A lot of misconduct happens in a workplace with little respect to work ethics and principles condoling any form of being inappropriate. Every organization should have principles guiding them, without being biased.

Red Flags to Watch Out for!
Working in a toxic environment affects your level of productivity, mental state, and everyone around you. To avoid getting employed by a toxic organization, Here are some red flags to watch out for.
Tone of communication
A toxic work vicinity affects its staff’s happiness. The obvious is reflected through the staff’s body language and manner of communication which depicts that the staff, lacks interest in the job. A toxic job lacks courtesy or respect in communication which is an essential part of a workplace. A workplace that lacks effective communication usually results in misunderstanding and confusion for the employees. As an intending employee, avoid being carried away by the excitement of getting called for an interview, watch out for the way of communication during the interview.
High turnover
The constant exit of staff and the employment of new ones depict a toxic workplace. A company where its staff are well treated and valued does not need to keep changing its staff at all times. You can ask questions during the interview. Also, social media has made it easier, you can reach out to ex-employees on LinkedIn or other social platforms, and ask them questions about their experience while working for the organization. You can check online reviews and comments for other clarification.
Lack of work ethics and guidelines
Professionalism in a workplace is centered around the ethics and principles upholding the core values and mission statement of the organization. An organization without this permits any form of misbehavior. You can start taking note of this from the first email the organization sends to you. Check out their ethics and language of communication. You can also be cautious during the interview, most especially when they are explaining the organizational culture, practices, and guidelines.
Lack of empathy
A toxic organization does not care about its employees. Their focus is solemnly on work and nothing else. For instance, if a staff member is in a critical state, and the employer shows no concerns, then you need to flee from such toxic environments.
Unrealistic expectations and longer working hours
A company demanding unrealistic results from their staff with so much pressure and compulsory working hours is an example of a toxic workplace that needs to be avoided.
To conclude, do not in any way be intimidated if you find yourself in such toxic environments. Be bold to speak up for corrections and if it’s not forthcoming, do not be scared to resign. Your mental health should be your priority.