#HorribleBosses: How To Spot A Toxic Workplace  Before You Get The Job

Young Nigerian professionals are calling out horrible bosses following a recent Techcabal article highlighting the tyranny and toxic workplace culture at Bento Africa with Ebun Okubanjo, CEO and co-founder at the helm. Using the hashtag #HorribleBosses, people continue to share their terrible workplace experiences on social media from dealing with unpaid salaries, getting work emails at odd hours at night to being forced to work overtime with no pay and getting fired for ridiculous things like not singing happy birthday.

As more people hop in on the ongoing conversation, it is clear that a lot of Nigerians work in extremely toxic environments. With Nigeria dealing with the highest unemployment rate in 13 years, we understand that most employees can not afford to leave a terrible workplace. So, we are focusing on the beginning — the interview process. A job interview is a two-way audition; the perfect opportunity to evaluate your potential employer and figure out if this place is the right fit for you. Here is how you can avoid an abusive office environment before you take the job:

Ask The Right Questions

A typical interview usually allows for the potential employee to ask questions. Seize this opportunity to ask the right questions. Here are some; 

What happens when an employee makes a mistake? 

What do you like about working here?

Does the company have a clear path for career growth?

What policies does the company have in place to prevent unfair practices like discrimination and sexual harassment?

How long was the last person here for or why did they resign?

How many leave or sick days do you have? 

What are the performance expectations for this position?

Could you tell me a bit about the team and general culture?

The first question is particularly important as a toxic environment usually punishes first-time mistakes while a healthy place, committed to its employees, turns them into learning opportunities.

Look Out For Their Body Language 

Asking the above questions makes your potential employer with a toxic environment squirm or fidget. They will probably get defensive, attempt to make you feel foolish or avoid answering altogether. They might also give short answers. If this happens, probe some more and watch them fall like a deck of cards. Generic, overly broad or scripted or non-answers are telltale signs of a toxic workplace. The interviewer from a healthy culture, on the other hand, will encourage your questions and gladly respond with genuine answers.

They Focus On Being ‘Flexible’

Being ‘flexible’ is often code for ‘we will use until you drop dead without paying you for the overtime.’ Basically, you will be required to work odd hours and over the weekend without additional pay. Once you hear this, pack your load and go.

 “We Wear A Lot Of Hats” Comes Up A Lot

This corporate-speak is usually a huge red flag that lets you know that you may be asked to do things outside your job description without pay. You can counter by asking for a proper job description with specific KPIs to avoid stories that touch. If you decide to take the job, have your role specified in your contract as well as compensation for ‘wearing other hats.’

Trust Your Gut

It can be tough to trust your gut when you need a job but you have to avoid getting trapped at a toxic workplace that takes a toll on your health. You sort of know when something does not feel right. Pay attention to that feeling as you lookout for the red flags as well as the green lights. 

To avoid getting sucked in when you are desperate for a job, list your wants and all the toxic things you want to avoid from a bad leadership style to no days off ahead of the interview. When all else fails, ask around for the culture of your prospective workplace.