Company culture is crucial to employee well-being and productivity. But how can you spot the dream offices from the soul-sucking hell holes?

A recent study found that more than one in five workers say that they have experienced harm to their mental health at work. Additionally, Google searches for 'what is a toxic workplace' have risen 60% in the past 12 months alone.

A job interview isn't just about impressing the employer but it also gives candidates a chance to evaluate whether the company is the right fit for them. A toxic workplace can often be detected before you even accept a job offer.

With this in mind, career experts at resume.io have identified five key red flags for employees to watch out for during the interview process. These signs can help candidates identify whether the company that they're considering could have a poor working environment.

If the job description keeps changing during the interview or the expectations seem overly demanding without a lack of proper support, it could mean that the company has unclear leadership, lack of direction or unrealistic demands.

Also, if the interviewer seemingly avoids questions about growth, training, or future opportunities, it may signal a company that undervalued employee development.

If your interview is rescheduled more than once or the interviewer comes across as unprepared or disorganised, it can be an indicator of deeper-rooted issues within the company. For example, if the hiring manager seems overwhelmed or forgetful, it might mean that they are overworked or that the company lacks proper management structures. This can often lead to burnout, high turnover and poor leadership.

Another potential red flag is the lack of information regarding pay whether that be in the job advert itself or at the interview. If the company that you are interviewing for are unable to provide clear details of either the salary or the benefits and job perks of the role it can mean that there isn't an open and fair culture around pay. It can also mean that they may be waiting to gauge your salary expectations to offer you the lowest possible pay for the role.

If the company that you are interviewing for boasts about their employees working long hours and sacrificing their weekends and evenings with limited mention of work-life balance, it could be a sign of a workplace with a burnout culture.

If phrases such as "we're like a family" are used to describe the team, it may also indicate blurred boundaries and expectations of constant availability. While teamwork is essential, a healthy workplace respects personal time and prevents burnout.

If the interviewer mentions that the role that you are applying for has been refilled multiple times in a short period of time, it may suggest deeper issues such as poor leadership, lack of growth opportunities or a toxic work environment that employees can't endure long term.

It is also advised to always read the online reviews of a company. Ensure to look for recurring themes in multiple reviews as consistent negative feedback may indicate a toxic work environment. Also, check whether the company is responding to these reviews as engagement can suggest a commitment to improving employee experiences and addressing key concerns.