The Society of Human Resources Management estimates that 1 in 5 employees have left a job at some point in their career because of a toxic culture, which cost businesses more than $44 billion per year prior to the Great Resignation.

If you’ve ever encountered or experienced a toxic workplace, you know that it can be a real drain on morale, motivation, and productivity. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the signs of toxicity in the workplace, or when something may be going awry. To help prevent and identify these toxic spaces, we’ve outlined the top signs to look for.

One of the biggest indicators of a toxic workplace is a lack of trust, specifically among coworkers. If your colleagues don’t trust each other, the environment will become one of suspicion and accusation. This can result in a lack of collaboration and innovation, as well as a diminished sense of camaraderie among the team. If you feel like you can’t rely on your colleagues to back you up, then it’s almost certain that the workplace is toxic.

Leadership is also a key factor in the presence of a toxic work environment. If the leadership or management is autocratic, oppressive, or unsupportive, then it’s likely that the entire workplace will suffer the consequences. Poor managers are often quick to assign blame and slow to recognize or reward employee accomplishments. This type of leadership fosters a culture of fear, resentment, and hostility.

It’s also important to note instances when employees are excluded or ignored. This can be a sign that the workplace is divided among cliques or is overly focused on status. When people are treated differently because of their race, gender, or other characteristics, it’s a sure sign that the workplace is unhealthy.

Finally, failure to recognize or reward a job well done is a sure sign of a toxic work environment. When people feel like their efforts go unnoticed and their accomplishments unacknowledged, it’s only a matter of time before the team begins to lose motivation and energy.

“When you lack communication and recognition, good people will leave,” said Lidia Wood, a prominent Human Resources consultant. “If you’re working in a place where people don’t feel appreciated, it is important to step up and address the issue. Toxic work environment will never sustain or produce good work.”

Being aware of the signs of toxicity can help you identify potential issues in your own workplace. By recognizing the signs and addressing them proactively, you’ll be doing your part to cultivate a healthy, productive workplace.