Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

People Share The Workplace Red Flags That All Employees Should Look Out For

We are currently in a market that favors workers over employers – many workers feel empowered to seek out different positions and have reevaluated what they want in their careers amid the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many workers left their jobs in search of greener pastures because they were ready for a change, and others were more than happy to leave behind toxic workplaces that only burned them out.

As you can imagine, they've become rather adept at noticing red flags during the interview process and beyond.

People shared their thoughts with us after Redditor taylortaylortaylorrr asked the online community,

"What is a red flag from an employer that people might not immediately recognize as a red flag?"

"It can be hard to tell..."

"When an employee quits or gets fired from the job and the company doesn't hire anyone new to replace them."

" It can be hard to tell as a red flag at first, but the temporary workload they added to your own over that was left over after the person left, slowly becomes your new permanent workload, without any changes to your pay or benefits to compensate for the additional tasks."

"The further out it goes without the position being filled, the larger and more obvious the red flag becomes."

The_Quicktrigger

Very good to know. Not only will the red flag become more prominent but the likelihood of burnout will increase as well.

"The CEO..."

"The CEO/boss/whatever drives a conspicuously expensive car."

snootfull

This does say a lot about company leadership, particularly if the rest of the workers are feasting on scraps.

"If it's a private/family company..."

"If it's a private/family company, do a Google search for '[company name] defendant' and '[company name] plaintiff.'

"If the company has been sued, or is in the habit of suing others, that can be a red flag- although something there are legit reasons for. But it's something worth paying attention to."

snootfull

You probably wouldn't want to be involved with a company that could land you in legal trouble, would you?

"If the company brings alcohol..."

"If the company brings alcohol into the office for 'end of week' sessions on a regular basis. I know they can be fun but it's a stupendously bad idea for all kinds of reasons and if leadership hasn't figured that out then I'd think twice before joining."

snootfull

This is a big reason why it is so important to have boundaries to work and your personal life. Alcohol can certainly make things messy.

"If it's a job in a manufacturing or distribution facility, is it messy or tidy? Messy, cluttered facilities are indicative of poor management, plus they can be dangerous."

snootfull

Dangerous indeed. That's how lawsuits happen!

"Pay attention to the feeling in your gut. If something feels 'off,' then it probably is."

snootfull

Probably the most important piece of advice here, arguably. If it doesn't sit right with you, it's probably for an excellent reason.

"When you don't get a review..."

"When you don’t get a review until you ask for a raise. Then, all of a sudden, your work is being questioned and you’re being berated."

Joeyjackhammer

How convenient, right?

Many people fall into this trap and it exhausts them. Talk about toxic workplaces!

"I know people..."

"I know people (rightfully) like to hate on HR, but if a company brags about 'not having an HR department to deal with,' expect them to be very disorganized at a minimum."

abolish-gender

You definitely want an HR department! Not having one can create an environment in which so many boundaries are crossed.

"It tells me that..."

"Open interviews. It tells me that people leave faster than you can bring them in, and with good reason."

T-money79

This often happens in fast food establishments, which have very high turnover rates. While horrible customers are one thing, bad management definitely contributes to the revolving door effect in these establishments.

"What'll happen..."

"If you’re being interviewed/hired and they tell you have/will have multiple managers to report to. Basically if there is not a clear chain of command."

"What’ll happen is eventually one manager’s directions, goals or instructions will conflict with the other’s, and you’ll get caught in the middle of it. And one or both will use it against you in performance reviews."

Orpheus6102

This is crucial to remember – a clear chain of command is important, with each party willing and able to take responsibility for their part. Anything less can backfire.

Now that you've listened and absorbed some of these, you're bound to feel more empowered, right?

Now get out there and slay your next interview. And remember – trust your gut.

Have some advice of your own to give? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!

Want to "know" more?

Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.

Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again.

More from Trending/best-of-reddit

Donald Trump
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

People Bring Receipts After White House Claims Photo Of Trump Asleep During Oval Office Event Was Just Him 'Blinking'

After President Donald Trump appeared to fall asleep during an event on maternal health in the Oval Office on Monday, people brought the receipts when an official White House account claimed he was simply "blinking."

The event was used to launch moms.gov, a new federal resource hub focused on prenatal care, nutrition, and postpartum support, along with information on employer fertility benefits and expanded childcare options, including assistance for stay-at-home parents.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr. Mehmet Oz
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Dr. Oz Just Made An Alarming Comment About Fertility Rates That Sounds Straight Out Of 'The Handmaid's Tale'

Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Donald Trump's administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, made an alarming comment about fertility rates, declaring that 1 in 3 Americans are "under-babied."

In the United States, infertility affects roughly 9% of men and 11% of women, while globally the figure is estimated at about one in six people.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump Jr.; Donald Trump
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Don Jr.'s Old Tweet Praising His Father For Avoiding War With Iran Just Resurfaced—And It's Aged Like Milk

As President Donald Trump's war with Iran rages on, his son Donald Trump Jr. is facing criticism after an old tweet he wrote praising his father for avoiding war with Iran resurfaced.

Back in April 2024, the president's eldest son wrote the following on X:

Keep ReadingShow less
Images of Savannah and Nancy Guthrie
@savannahguthrie/Instagram

Savannah Guthrie Shares Heartfelt Video Of Her Missing Mom On Mother's Day: 'We Miss You With Every Breath'

Today co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, was declared missing on February 1, 2026, after she did not routinely arrive at church that morning, and a well-check confirmed that her home was empty and the door was left wide open.

Due to her need for multiple medications, including for her pacemaker, and her limited mobility, the Pima County Police Department deemed her case a high priority, soon welcoming the help of the FBI.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump; Robert Jeffress
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images; Fox News

Trump Backs Pastor's Claim That He Has A 'Better Understanding' Of The Bible Than Pope Leo—And People Are Furious

On Saturday, MAGA Republican President Donald Trump chose to promote an interview with controversial anti-LGBTQ+ Baptist minister Robert Jeffress by posting a clip from Fox News on Truth Social. In the interview, Jeffress repeatedly stroked Trump's ego, flattering him incessantly.

A Fox News contributor, Jeffress was on to talk about Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the Vatican to give Pope Leo XIV a crystal football.

Keep ReadingShow less