Toxic relationships are a problematic issue. In fact, I've written about both toxic friendships, and toxic relationships before. Both of these issues are detrimental to others, and people still need to better themselves to prevent them. But, something that people tend to overlook how toxic an environment, especially a work environment can be.

It's no secret that toxic environments, especially ones pertaining to work cause people unnecessary stress and can damage a workers motivation to do their job, and interact with others in their respective field. Sometimes within a work setting, there is a lot that happens behind the scenes that can constitute a toxic work environment. The question remains: what characteristics make a work environment toxic?

A toxic work environment is considered any environment where you are being treated unfairly, or where you feel like you are being treated unfairly. For example, if your boss, or somebody in a higher position than you doesn't listen to your concerns, or if they treat you like you are replaceable. These instances are toxic work relationships and nobody deserves to be treated in that manner.

In addition, a boss that fails to recognize your accomplishments in the workplace, or outwardly shows favoritism in the workplace is also engaging in a toxic manner. Favoritism towards certain employees is probably one of the worst elements of a toxic workplace. Not only can it cause tension between co-workers but it can cause someone to hate their work environment, and everyone within it.

Thankfully, I have never found myself in a toxic work environment where monetary wealth played a role. However, I have found myself in toxic work environments where I was volunteering my time, and my abilities to something I felt passionate about. I did my part and completed what I volunteered to do, but unfortunately, favoritism ran rampant.

The people in charge praised other volunteers and supported them. Most of my fellow volunteers supported each-other, which is good and all, but they left out a number of us when doing so. I don't know about any of the other volunteers but I know I voiced my concerns and opinions and nothing changed. That was when I knew it was my time to move on from this toxic environment and to start giving my time, passion and energy to a group more appreciative.

You may be wondering, how can you get away from such toxic work environments. In my case, as I said, I left and found much better outlets to use my qualities and I hope others in my place did too. However, if you find yourself in a position where quitting or leaving is difficult, or not a good option, there are other ways to handle this kind of thing. You can either try to find another position, or find a productive way to release the stress the said position is giving you.

Trust me when I say that working in a toxic workplace kind of environment is not worth the money, or if money isn't involved, not worth your time or energy. Nobody needs to feel like they are having an anxiety attack, panic attack or even just uneasy when they work. Nobody deserves that stress.