Surviving a Toxic Workplace: Work-from-Home Edition

Jane Recare
Apr 4
4 min read

Did you think Working at Home in Your PJs Would Keep You Safe? Think Again.

Remote work was supposed to be the dream—no commute, flexible hours, and the comfort of home. But when your workplace is toxic, it finds a way to seep into your safe space. Suddenly, your home isn’t just where you relax; it’s where you deal with micromanaging bosses, unrealistic expectations, and constant stress.

If you thought working in your pajamas would protect you from workplace toxicity, let’s burst that bubble. Here’s how to recognize the signs and survive a toxic work-from-home setup without losing your sanity.

Signs of a Toxic Remote Workplace

Toxic work environments don’t need an office to exist. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you might be dealing with a less-than-ideal remote workplace:

1. Micromanagement Overload

Bosses who don’t trust you? Check. Constant check-ins, surveillance tools, or unrealistic expectations on availability? Double-check. If your manager needs to know every little thing you do during the day, you’re probably being micromanaged—big time.

I remember having a boss who would check my online status every hour. If I wasn’t active for a few minutes, I’d get a message asking why. One time, I had to step away for a quick snack, and I came back to a passive-aggressive email about “commitment to productivity.” Fun times.

2. Blurry Work-Life Boundaries

Remote work should mean better balance, but in a toxic workplace, it’s the opposite. You might find yourself answering messages late at night, feeling guilty about stepping away from your desk, or working way past your hours without extra pay.

I’ve had moments where I was too scared to go offline, thinking I might miss an “urgent” task. Spoiler alert: It was never really urgent.

3. Lack of Communication & Support

If managers ghost you, unclear about tasks, or left out of important discussions, that’s a major red flag. Communication is key in remote work, and when it’s missing, frustration and burnout follow.

In one of my jobs, I once went days without hearing from my team, only to get blamed for not completing something I was never assigned. Turns out, they “thought I knew.” Psychic abilities were unfortunately not in my job description.

4. Toxic Colleagues & Managers

Toxic work cultures don't disappear just because you're remote—especially when your manager gossips behind everyone's back. You’ll hear about everyone's mistakes except your manager’s own, and suddenly, their business is everyone’s business.

And don't get me started on favoritism. If you're not in the "inner circle," expect to see others get special treatment—whether it’s extra perks or more leniency on their mistakes. Meanwhile, you're left trying to follow rules that keep changing.

It's high school drama with more emails and less detention.

5. No Recognition, Only Pressure

Your hard work goes unnoticed, but every little mistake is magnified. If your contributions are ignored and you’re constantly under pressure, it’s a sign of an unhealthy workplace.

Been there. Delivered a major project that boosted engagement, but instead of a “good job,” I got feedback on how my font choice “wasn’t quite right.” Because obviously, that was the most important part.

6. "We’re Not a Workplace, We’re a Cult"

Ah, the classic manipulation tactic. If your workplace constantly reminds you that “we’re a family,” be wary. Real families don’t guilt-trip you into working overtime for free, expect blind loyalty, or make you feel like a bad person for setting boundaries. A healthy work environment respects you as a professional, not as an unpaid emotional support system.

My PiP Experience: A Wake-Up Call

Ah, the infamous Performance Improvement Plan (PiP). If you’ve ever been placed on one, you know the gut-wrenching feeling that comes with it. For me, it felt like a corporate death sentence—a way for the company to push me out under the guise of “helping” me improve.

The worst part? I wasn’t even given a fair chance.

My manager didn’t guide me, didn’t offer real support, and it was clear from the start that the PiP was set up for me to fail. Expectations were vague, feedback was inconsistent, and no matter how hard I tried, it was never enough.

It was during this time that I realized no job is worth sacrificing my mental health over. I took what I learned, worked on my skills, and eventually moved on to better opportunities. If you’ve been through a PiP, just know—it’s not the end. It might just be the beginning of something better.

Stay tuned for a detailed blog post about my PiP experience. (Don't worry; I will not mention any names or companies.)

How to Survive and Maintain Your Sanity

The good news? You don’t have to let a toxic work environment take over your life. Here’s how to stay sane:

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish strict start and end times for your workday.
Turn off notifications after work hours.
If possible, create a designated workspace to separate work from home life.

2. Overcommunicate (But Smartly)

Clarify expectations with your boss and team.
Document conversations and agreements to protect yourself.
Keep everything professional—avoid emotional responses to toxic behavior.

3. Prioritize Your Mental Health

Take regular breaks.
Step outside for fresh air.
Set time for self-care, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or just unplugging for a while.

4. Find an Ally

Connect with a trusted colleague for support.
Vent when needed, but also strategize ways to navigate the toxicity together.

5. Plan Your Exit Strategy

If it’s unbearable, start job hunting while keeping your income stable.
Use your current job to build skills and network for better opportunities.

Final Thoughts

A toxic workplace, even remotely, can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. But remember: your peace is worth more than any job. Protect yourself, set boundaries, and if necessary, walk away for a better opportunity.

I’ve been through it, and if you have too, just know—you’re not alone. Have you ever dealt with a toxic WFH environment? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how you survived!