A man has sparked a conversation on social media after sharing 14 so-called "toxic" workplace habits that he claims can help employees navigate the corporate world more strategically. The video, posted on Instagram by a user, has drawn mixed reactions online, with some users calling the advice realistic while others argued that it could encourage unhealthy workplace behaviour.

The clip carried the text, "14 toxic corporate habits that actually work!" In the caption, the creator clarified that the video was not intended to promote office politics or manipulation but to explain how the corporate world often operates so that professionals can make more informed career decisions.

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The 14 'toxic' corporate habits shared in the video

According to the creator, the following workplace habits can help employees navigate corporate environments more strategically:

• Send emails after office hours: Schedule or send emails late in the evening to signal commitment and dedication to management.
• Stay aligned with your manager: Prioritise maintaining a strong relationship with your reporting manager, as they often influence appraisals and promotions.
• Appear tense and occupied: Project the image of being constantly busy to create the perception that you are handling important responsibilities.
• Be less available: Avoid being instantly accessible at all times, as limited availability can make your time appear more valuable.
• Focus on workplace visibility: Pay as much attention to being noticed as you do to delivering results because visibility often influences career growth.
• Become indispensable: Develop specialised knowledge or skills that make you difficult to replace rather than simply working harder.
• Build a strong LinkedIn presence: Maintain an active professional profile to strengthen your personal brand and visibility.
• Appear extremely busy: Create the impression that you are constantly managing multiple priorities.
• Mention senior leaders naturally: Casually referring to interactions with senior executives can project that you have a strong internal network.
• Never appear desperate for a promotion: Avoid openly chasing promotions and instead project confidence and patience.
• Speak confidently even when unsure: Express your opinions with conviction because confidence is often valued alongside execution.
• Stay aligned with senior management: Understand and support the priorities of senior leadership to strengthen your position within the organisation.
• Never trust HR completely: Share only information that is advantageous to your own situation, as HR ultimately represents the organisation's interests, according to the creator.
• Leave without hesitation for better opportunities: Do not remain in a role solely out of corporate loyalty if it limits career growth, as the creator argues this can lead to stagnation.

Creator says video is meant to explain workplace realities

In the caption, the creator said the video was not meant to encourage office politics or workplace manipulation.

"This video is not intended to encourage office politics or manipulation; rather, it aims to explain how the corporate world often operates so that people can make more informed career decisions," the caption read.

Internet divided over workplace advice

The video prompted mixed reactions from social media users.

One user wrote, "Toxic, but this is exactly how the corporate world works."

Another commented, "Hard work alone is never enough; visibility matters just as much."

A third user said, "Some of these tips are practical, while others can make workplaces even more toxic."

A fourth added, "The best approach is to work smart without compromising your integrity."

Disclaimer: This article is based on statements and opinions shared in an Instagram video and reactions posted by social media users. The report reproduces their claims and views as presented on the platform. ET.com has not independently verified the effectiveness, accuracy or applicability of the advice shared in the video. The content is published solely for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ET.com. The opinions expressed are those of the creator and individual users and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com.