Ever wake up with that sinking feeling in your stomach, dreading the commute to a job that’s draining your soul? Well, you’re not alone. Entrepreneur and career guru Ankur Warikoo recently shared a raw, relatable take on what makes a job a good place to work or toxic. Drawing from his own journey – from CEO stints to mentoring people, he recently shared five green flags that signal a healthy work environment and three stark red flags to run from in a LinkedIn post. In a world where hustle culture glorifies burnout, Ankur Warikoo’s words hit hard: A good job challenges you, without breaking you. So, here we list some of his workplace red and green flags to watch out for, so you can chase roles that lift you up.

5 green flags: Signs you’re in the right place

Warikoo’s green flags paint a picture of workplaces that value you as a whole person. These aren’t perks; they’re essentials for long-term fulfilment.

1. You are respected for who you areIt’s that warm nod when you share a quirky idea or personal story – no judgment, just genuine acceptance.2. There is an acknowledgement of what you doA simple “great job” or shout-out in a meeting goes a long way in motivating employees to work hard. Warikoo nails it clearly: When your efforts are noticed, loyalty blooms naturally.3. You are rewarded for how well you do itFair pay, bonuses, or promotions tied to performance – it’s basic equity. This ensures your hard work gives you real gains, keeping ambition alive without any feelings of resentment towards your job.4. There is growth while you do itIf you feel you’re not stagnant, and instead evolving with each opportunity that aligns with your dreams, then that’s a green flag at your work. Growth at work should feel organic.5. You are mentored when you lose trackMistakes happen, but good leaders guide you gently without judgment or blame games. True mentorship rebuilds confidence, turning setbacks into superpowers.

3 red flags: Run before they drain you

On the other hand, Warikoo warns of certain red flags one should watch out for at their workplace. They pull people down and over time, these red flags erode your well-being, and silently steal your joy and mental peace at work:1. You dread going to work every dayThis is a sign of a toxic workplace, warns Warikoo. If logging in feels like dread, it’s not “just a phase” – it’s a toxic signal screaming for change.2. Endure long hours and accept low pay in the name of “exposure” and “learning”If this sounds like the norm at your workplace, then beware: it’s a scam. Exposure shouldn’t starve you or steal your sleep – real learning pays dividends immediately.3. “At least you have a job – be grateful” attitude at workWhile one should be grateful to have work, “But gratitude shouldn’t cost you your health or dignity. A good job can be demanding, but it won’t make you feel small. It will challenge you without breaking you. Respect, growth, and fair pay aren’t luxuries. They’re the bare minimum,” Warikoo wrote in his post.

Why this matters now more than ever

In today’s high-pressure job market, toxic cultures are rampant. In such times, Warikoo’s wisdom helps us have better work environments and work-life balance. Remember, your employer can replace you in 48 hours; so, don’t let them dim your spark.What does your workplace look like – a green flag or red flag? Tell us your views below.