12 Signs You are Working in a Toxic Office

Working in a toxic office is bad news: your health suffers, you're edgy and irritable and you dread going into the office each day. However, those symptoms aren't the only signs that you need to find a new job. Here are 12 signs you work in an office with a poor work culture.

1. Your boss is a recognized bully.
When the senior leader's behavior resembles a "what not to do at work" checklist, you know you're in trouble. This could come in the form of sexual harassment, practical jokes frequently targeting one person or otherwise racist, sexist or homophobic comments. If the boss often berates employees or publicly intimidates them, and no one does anything to prevent or curb the behavior, it's likely the office is toxic.

2. Co-workers frequently gang up on each other.
When one person harasses another, even when they are equals, there are no consequences and no one else seems to think it is a problem, it's difficult to get comfortable at work.

3. It's not unusual for co-workers or your boss to take credit for your work.
This is not only frustrating, but it can cost you a promotion or a raise. You may be blindsided one time by this problem, but do what you can to prevent it a second time. Document your work and ideas and, when appropriate, make colleagues aware of your ideas so it's clear what you suggested for a project.