By Julia Sullivan
Special to USA TODAY

For many Americans, work consumes a significant portion of their lives, with individuals spending approximately one-third of their time engaged in their jobs. This figure does not even take into account commuting, which averages about 26 minutes each wayadding nearly an hour to the daily grind. The workplace environment plays a crucial role in how one feels about this substantial time investment.

When surrounded by passionate and supportive colleagues, the daily grind can feel fulfilling and rewarding. However, the opposite can be true when faced with managers who employ belittling tactics and micromanagement, which can significantly impact an employees emotional well-being. Vicki Salemi, a career expert based in New York City with Monster, highlights a concerning trend: in an April 2024 poll, her team discovered that a staggering 67% of American workers perceive their job environment as toxic.

While no job is without its flaws, Salemi emphasizes the importance of recognizing certain indicatorsboth positive and negativethat could signal whether a workplace is healthy or toxic. Below are five critical signs that suggest you may be in a supportive and positive work environment:

1. Inclusion, Fair Pay, and Reasonable Hours

Salemi asserts that a commitment to diversity and inclusion is fundamental to a positive workplace culture. A healthy workplace does not discriminate, she explains. It is inclusive and treats everyone fairly and equally.

During your job search or interview process, a good practice is to examine the companys leadership page. Are the leaders representative of diverse ethnicities, ages, and gender identities? If so, consider that a green flag. Additionally, fair compensation is crucial; according to Salemi, A healthy workplace pays everyone what they're worth in the marketplace. An environment where employees feel underpaid and overworked can lead to decreased performance. Signs such as frequent absenteeism, mistakes, and high turnover rates can be alarming indicators of a toxic culture.

2. Leadership that Communicates Effectively

Effective communication from leadership is a hallmark of healthy workplaces. Top executives should be accessible, maintain frequent communication, and hold themselves accountable to their teams. Salemi notes, Healthy environments typically stem from the top with effective leaders who demonstrate the companys values.

A key marker of responsible leadership is the ability to directly address employees concerns, especially during uncertain times, such as layoffs or economic downturns. They should be authentic and as transparent as they can be, Salemi advises. Effective communication can take many forms, including company-wide messages from the CEO, all-hands meetings, and personal one-on-ones between managers and their direct reports. Addressing the elephant in the room fosters a sense of being seen and heard among employees, she adds.

3. Clear Growth Pathways

A transparent and defined path for promotion is another strong indicator of a healthy workplace. Salemi points out that this clarity should begin during the application process. Job descriptions should not be vague; they should outline tangible steps and responsibilities, she asserts. A workplace that promotes career growth and provides training opportunities for employees signals a commitment to long-term investment in their workforce.

4. Flexibility in the Work Environment

Despite the growing trend of return-to-office mandates, flexibility remains an essential perk in todays work culture. Salemi mentions that flexibility can come in various forms, such as the option to work remotely or adopt a four-day work week. Flexibility is just thatflexible, she states. For many employees, the ability to dictate both where and when they work has become a priority. Employers who accommodate personal commitments by adjusting deadlines or schedules demonstrate an understanding that life extends beyond the workplace.

5. Safe Spaces for Open Communication

Creating a safe environment where employees feel empowered to voice their concerns is critical. Salemi emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and safe to express their opinions without fear of retaliation. Its alarming that 77% of workers have witnessed some form of workplace discrimination, and 28% felt unsafe reporting incidents, she notes, highlighting the need for companies to actively work on these issues.

Transforming a toxic workplace into a healthy one is not an overnight task. It takes time, Salemi explains, and the company and its leaders must be intentional about fostering a healthier environment. Often, when faced with toxicity, the best course of action is to seek opportunities at healthier workplaces. For those unable to leave, Salemi suggests leaning on supportive family and friends and even considering mental health counselors for guidance. Taking care of yourself is paramount, she advises.

Looking for Top Workplaces?

If you're on the hunt for a job that prioritizes a healthy workplace culture, USA TODAY has you covered. Each year, USA TODAY conducts a comprehensive ranking of organizations across the United States that excel at fostering positive work environments for their employees. This ranking, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, is based on employee feedback.

In 2025, more than 1,500 companies were recognized as top workplaces. For those interested, you can check out the overall rankings and gain insights into some of the top regional employers through the provided links.