Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Workplace Warning Signs How to find out if a workplace is good or bad, before taking the job Guide Magazine You’ve scored an interview with a new company and you don’t know a lot about its workplace culture and environment. Without knowing someone on the inside, how can you find out if it’s a good place to work or not? 3 Things to Do Before the Interview 1. Check reviews about the company. How do past or present employees rate the company on glassdoor.com or indeed.com? Do they have multiple negative reviews, and do those reviews say similar things? Are their complaints something that would bother you? If yes, beware. 2. Check the retention rate. Has your position been posted multiple times in the past year or two? Probably a bad sign. 3. Think about the process of scheduling the interview. Did it seem rushed and haphazard? Did it drag out with multiple rescheduling? Did they not even ask what worked for you and just tell you to be there at a certain date and time? These are all bad signs. 3 Things to Do During the Interview 1. Ask tough questions about the company. How did it handle a downturn or layoff event? How are they evolving? What new ideas have they implemented and how? 2. Walk around. If they offer you a tour, take it and observe how coworkers are interacting. Do they seem happy or stressed? Respectful or scornful? And use the washroom—if it’s less than tidy and the TP isn’t replaced, it’s a sign people don’t care about their workplace. 3. Trust your gut. Do you dislike the hiring manager or the workers who are interviewing you? Were people rude or less than helpful at reception? Does something feel off? If Offered the Job Read the employment contract carefully. Does it contain unreasonable or illegal conditions? Does it seem overly heavy-handed and controlling? Does it seem out of line with your values and goals? These are all warning signs. If you are looking for a long term employer, make sure you do your homework before you sign on the dotted line. Toxic workplaces not only make you miserable at work, but can affect your home life and your health. Sources: fastcompany.com, forbes.com, theambitionplan.com, topresume.com You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026