Workplace Behaviors That Many People Don't Realize Are Actually Toxic And Quite Annoying

"Micromanaging. This is one of the worst toxic behaviors, as it destroys motivation and morale quickly..."

Ayoub

• Published in Interesting
• November 29, 2022

Most workplaces have a lot of issues to deal with and never pause for a second to realize the toxic aspects all around them. Of course, there's no such thing as a "perfect workplace," but employees should always thrive and push for improvement and change. 

Employers should not allow the workplace to host toxic conduct of any kind. Such environments make employees feel undervalued and make them consider leaving for better options. 

Managers should find ways to inspire their crew and make them feel cared for; instead of attempting clichés that are known to only make the problem worse.

You can create the illusion of change all you want, but people can tell the difference between real commitments and desperate gimmicks.

Many workplaces end up achieving the exact opposite results when attempting to fix the toxic aspects in their workplace. This proves how little effort some employers put into actually understanding and knowing their employees.

A Redditor who goes by the username u/legalboobs96 made a post on the r/AskWomen subReddit with the following question: "Which workplace behavior is actually toxic and needs to stop?" The user received many interesting replies to their question; scroll down to check them out!

1. "The mentality that people who choose to have children are more entitled to taking time off on holidays or in the summer."

I don’t have a child, but I am someone’s child. I don’t have to have children of my own for holidays to be important to me.

--OopsWhoopsieDaisy

2. " "This is a family" No it's not..its a business.."

--mrspicytits

3. "Coming to work sick."

--SoCalledPerson

4. "Forced team bonding events."

--myciccio

5. "Not paying men and women equally."

--cyarin_60025

6. "Mandatory social events outside of work."

--pinkflower200

7. "Telling employees to keep their salary confidential. LOL"

I am a HR and I am all for compensation transparency because I know corporate only tell us to hide s**t when when they know it's too fishy to disclose.

--xeekayla

8. "Gatekeeping knowledge or information in order to make others look incompetent"

--matzah_ball

9. "Keep having mental health related seminars. Give us a day off. "

--0_0moon0_0

10. "Secret Santa"

--Dazzling-Toe-4955

11. "Actually attending an “office” for completely remote-capable work. We don’t need to be friends with coworkers."

--em-ay-tee

12. "Micromanaging. This is one of the worst toxic behaviors, as it destroys motivation and morale quickly."

There's no trust within the team, you lose the opportunity to develop yourself and it burns everyone out.

I've just switched roles from working for a micromanager to a more hands off manager, I've contributed more in my new role than I did with my previous work.

--Difficult_Humor1170

13. "Asking people to donate their PTO instead of giving someone the time off they need."

--PettyCrocker_

14. "Gossiping and drama. I have no idea why some adults still have this problem."

-V-RONIN

15. "Not being allowed to sit."

--sky_winters

16. "Employees being pressured to donate to charity."

I work for a big grocery chain in Florida where we are encouraged to donate out of every paycheck, but our store manager really pushes for 100% participation. If you tell him no he does a 1 time donation in your name so on paper it shows that his whole store donates. I’m all for helping people sir, but I can barely pay my own bills on this wage.

--biomechtronic

17. "Icebreakers and spirit questions."

Don’t force people to reveal personal info about themselves. Just simply say your name and role if you need to do introductions.

--Jolly-Proof

18. "Expecting women to organize and run the mandatory fun/ team bonding events."

Does not matter if men at the same level or job would never be expected to “waste” their time putting together these events, women are expected to do it, often on their own time, and we are supposed to like it too….

--myalias1919

19. "The pressure to work when sick just because you WFH ("because that's what everyone else does" - and everyone thinks like this)."

--Anxiety_Cookie

20. "This is education-specific, but admin giving praise and compliments to teachers who come in early and stay late, and work on the weekends."

 They call it "dedication" but honestly it's working way beyond contract hours for no pay. I used to do this every week and my life improved so much when I finally stopped. I love my students but I shouldn't be considered less dedicated because I won't work for free.

--Nikki-Black

21. "Bosses not listening to the ones below them out of ego."

--pringelman69

Unfortunately, most of the things mentioned above will continue to exist for a long time until companies decide to be better. Will they, though?

There is some feeling that the tide is shifting, and that employees are becoming more important to the management. If you enjoyed this list, make sure to check out similar content on our platform.

Ayoub