Toxic Workplace: 15 Signs It's Time To Quit Your Job, According To ChatGPT

Regardless of which profession you are in, it is important that you surround yourself with uplifting individuals and a healthy environment that contributes positively to your professional growth. This is because the workplace is where we spend most of our time each day, except in cases where one works from home.

Statistics as well as reality on the ground point out that the Kenyan job market is worsening by the day as employment opportunities continue shrinking and job losses go on the rampage owing to difficult business environments and shifts in work techniques, mostly to digital.

During COVID-19, close to 1.7 million nationals lost their well-paying careers which pushed them to menial jobs.

The only trend that has seemed to remain in the job market is that you become attractive to future employers when you're already employed, as compared to when you are jobless.

Two men stalking a woman at work. /FOTOSEARCH

It is against this backdrop that many employees choose to remain in jobs to earn a living and in anticipation of bigger opportunities, despite those jobs overworking and underpaying them as well as stagnating them.

However, circumstances may force someone to leave the comfort of a monthly cheque to brave the unknown even if it means struggling to afford the bare necessities as working in a toxic environment has the potential to cost you your life.

A 2020 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health determined a toxic workplace "can be detrimental and lead to unnecessary stress, burnout, depression, and anxiety among the workers." Further, it found that negative employee well-being will spread to other workers and bring down the quality of the work they do.

The study also found the inverse: Employee well-being increases work performance, and a workplace that actively supports employees "brings sustainability to organizational performance."

A toxic working environment makes your job tiresome and you constantly have no energy to work. Monday mornings and any other mornings are your worst part of the week and in some cases, the toxicity may be subtle.

Ever heard of the phrase "when you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life"? Stories of Kenyans' experiences in toxic workplaces have been on the rise on social media platforms as they continuously come out to expose oppressive behaviours by both local and foreign employers in the country.

Leaving a toxic workplace is often a challenging decision, but it can be necessary for your well-being and professional growth.

As such, Viral Tea consulted Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, popularly known as ChatGPT, a fast-growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform and provided us with 15 signs that it may be time to consider leaving a toxic workplace:

1. Consistent Negativity: If the workplace is filled with constant complaining, gossip, and a generally negative atmosphere, it can be emotionally draining.

2. Poor Leadership: If the management or leadership team is ineffective, unsupportive, or engages in abusive behaviour, it can be a major red flag.

3. Bullying or Harassment: If you experience or witness bullying, harassment, discrimination, or other forms of mistreatment, it's a clear sign of a toxic environment.

4. High Turnover: Frequent employee turnover is often a sign that the workplace isn't conducive to long-term employment. If colleagues are leaving left and right, it may be time to consider your own exit.

5. Lack of Growth Opportunities: If your career has stagnated, and you don't see any room for growth or advancement in the organization, it might be time to explore new opportunities.

6. Excessive Workload: Consistently being overworked, facing unrealistic expectations, or feeling overwhelmed can take a toll on your physical and mental health.

7. Micromanagement: If you're constantly being micromanaged and not trusted to do your job, it can be frustrating and demoralizing.

8. Toxic Colleagues: Toxic colleagues can be just as damaging as a toxic work environment. If you're dealing with constant conflict or undermining behaviour, it can be a strong indicator to leave.

9. Health Issues: If the workplace is causing or exacerbating physical or mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, it's a serious sign that it's time to go.

10. Violation of Values: When your workplace's values and ethics clash with your own, and you're asked to do things that make you uncomfortable or go against your principles, it's a sign that it might be time to move on.

11. Lack of Recognition: If your hard work goes unnoticed and unappreciated, it can be demotivating and lead to job dissatisfaction.

12. Financial Strain: A toxic workplace can sometimes lead to financial difficulties, especially if you're not being compensated fairly, or your expenses (e.g., therapy, health costs) due to stress increase.

13. Lack of Work-Life Balance: If the job consistently intrudes on your personal life and you have no work-life balance, it can negatively affect your overall well-being.

14. Feeling Trapped: If you feel trapped in your job and dread going to work every day, it's a clear sign that it's time to look for a healthier work environment.

15. Inconsistent Policies: If policies are constantly changing, and there is a lack of consistency and transparency in how the workplace is managed, it can create frustration and confusion.

Remember, it's important to carefully evaluate your situation and consider your personal circumstances before making a decision.

Leaving a job can have significant consequences, so it's often a good idea to have a plan in place and explore new opportunities before making the move. In Kenya, leaving a job in the middle of an unemployment crisis can carry huge risks as not only do opportunities come in low frequency, but you also find yourself competing against millions of job seekers.

Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or a career counsellor can be helpful in making the decision to abandon your workplace. Remember, no paycheck is worth your life.