As a job seeker, it is essential to be aware of the different types of work cultures that exist out there.
While some workplaces can be incredibly supportive, others can be toxic, thus making it imperative to recognize the signs of a toxic work culture before accepting a job offer.
One way to do this is by watching TV shows that portray toxic work environments.
Here are 12 TV shows that represent toxic work culture along with the toxic traits they exhibit:
Mad Men
Mad Men is a popular show that portrays the advertising industry in the 1960s.
The show highlights toxic traits such as sexism, racism, and the use of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. The show portrays a work culture that is highly competitive, and cutthroat, and promotes the use of unethical behavior to get ahead.
'Mad Men’ also highlights the importance of appearances, and how they can be used to manipulate others.
The Office
The Office is a popular sitcom that portrays the everyday operations of a regular office.
While the show is funny, it also highlights the toxic traits of gossip, office politics, and the fear of speaking up.
The show also highlights the importance of job titles and how they can be used to manipulate others.
Suits
Suits is a legal drama that portrays the high-stress environment of a law firm. The major toxic traits highlighted in the show are long work hours, the fear of failure, and the use of power dynamics to control others.
Another toxic trait of the show is it highlights the importance of competition and its utilization to undermine colleagues.
Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is a comedy that portrays the tech industry. The show highlights toxic traits such as the fear of failure, the pressure to succeed, and the abuse of money to control others.
In addition to this, it also highlights the importance of competition and how it can be used to undermine colleagues.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The popular comedy TV series highlights some of the toxic traits commonly seen in work cultures.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine portrays the toxic traits of micro-management, workplace bullying, favoritism, and a lack of work-life balance.
By watching this show, job seekers can learn to recognize and avoid these toxic traits in their future workplaces, ensuring a healthy and supportive work culture.
Billions
Billions is a drama that portrays the world of high finance. The major highlighted toxic traits are greed, the pressure to succeed, and using power to control others.
The show also highlights the importance of competition and how it can be used to undermine colleagues.
Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy is a medical drama that portrays the world of medicine. The show highlights toxic traits such as the pressure to succeed, long work hours, and using power to control others.
The show also highlights the importance of competition and how it can be used to undermine colleagues.
How to Get Away with Murder
“How to Get Away with Murder” is a legal drama portraying the law world.
The show highlights toxic traits such as the pressure to succeed, the use of power to control others, and the importance of competition.
It also highlights the importance of appearances and how they can be used to manipulate others.
The Newsroom
This drama series highlights the high-pressure world of cable news and the toxic traits of ego, sexism, and the use of power to control others.
Emily in Paris
This comedy-drama series portrays the world of luxury marketing and the toxic traits of cultural insensitivity, competition, and the use of power dynamics to control others.
The Mindy Project
This comedy series portrays the world of a busy OB/GYN office and the toxic traits of office politics, competition, and the use of power dynamics to control others.
Succession
Succession is a drama that portrays a wealthy family and their media empire. The show highlights toxic traits such as nepotism, the fear of losing power, and the misuse of money to control others.
The show also highlights the importance of status and how it is abused to manipulate others.
Conclusion
As a job seeker, it's essential to research the workplace culture of any potential employer before accepting a job offer.
You can do this by reading reviews on websites like AmbitionBox, talking to current or former employees, and observing the behavior of the employer and employees during the interview process.
In conclusion, watching TV shows that represent toxic work cultures can help you identify the signs of a toxic work environment.
The awareness of these toxic traits can help you avoid workplaces that exhibit them and find a workplace culture that is supportive and healthy.
Remember, your mental health and well-being are just as important as your job, so don't settle for a toxic work environment.
All the Best!
