Everyone wants a job they can be happy on because earning money is much easier that way. Unfortunately, sometimes workers end up in toxic jobs or less-than-desirable environments. When you start a new job, looking for red flags is a great way to avoid staying on such a job too long. The following are some red flags to keep an eye out for during your first days in a new position:
1. Gossiping
Gossipping is always a red flag because it sews discord into a work environment and breeds a lot of hurt feelings, misinterpretations, and broken relationships. You can try to avoid gossiping by staying quiet in the beginning and observing other people’s behaviors around you. Try not to answer too many personal questions before you know the people you work with. You might find that the people asking you the most questions are the ones you really can’t trust.
2. Inappropriate Conversations
Your employer is responsible for ensuring that you get the opportunity to work in a peaceful environment that doesn’t make you uncomfortable. Most workplaces have rules outlined in their manuals about inappropriate actions and speech. You can talk to someone if you experience vulgar jokes, sexually charged requests, and other actions that seem inappropriate. Your immediate supervisor can speak to the other parties involved if you need them to. Alternatively, you can seek assistance from the HR team.
3. Unusual Work Requests
You must also pay attention and look out for any odd requests your supervisor might make of you. For example, you are never supposed to perform any work while you are off the clock at any work location. You should be concerned if your employer asks you to do work after you clocked out to go home or if he or she asks you to take work-related online courses while you’re at home. Both of those instances involve working off the clock, and you should consider them as labor violations. You can contact an L&I attorney Seattle specialist if you experience any such incident. That type of attorney can help you to recover any funds you are due.
4. Your Work Doesn’t Match the Job Description
You may need to contact an attorney if you find that the work you’re doing doesn’t match up with the job description. Many businesses have leeway when it comes to job descriptions because they put ambiguous wording into those descriptions. Additionally, at-will employers are given much more freedom in regards to their workers’ job duties. However, it might still be good for you to visit an attorney and consult with him or her. You might be able to fight a drastic change if you had to make one.
5. Disrespectful Boss
Employers don’t always have the nicest bosses on their management teams. Some managers don’t have good communication skills, and some don’t have good coping skills. Other managers might feel triggered by your presence. Nevertheless, you deserve to be spoken to with respect and dignity. You may not be able to do anything about a manager’s attitude, but you can do something if that manager makes discriminatory remarks based on a protected factor. For example, you may have a basis for a complaint if your manager says something negative about your race or religious preference.
The long and short of it is that you have to take action if you don’t feel comfortable at your job. That action might be leaving the position or putting in your resignation. You’ll have to go deep if you want to keep the job. That means you’ll have to do something to resolve the situation in front of you. You can always start by talking to the person who offends you. If that doesn’t work, you can take it to the next level and schedule a meeting with your boss and that person. The human resources department is the next step if that doesn’t work.
Find the Right Job Now
Now you know some crucial red flags to look for when you’re on a new job. You should have no problem finding an amazing job if you use the tips mentioned above. Even if you have a bad experience, you’ll know that you can still find a way out.
