Q: I recently left a very toxic workplace. I never again want to work in such a fearful, backbiting culture.

Next time, how do I make sure that I'm entering a healthy work environment? Should I ask to take a tour or interview some employees?

SCOTT THIGPEN/Special (ENLARGE)

A: Although spotting a toxic organization from the outside can be tricky, you're smart to make the effort.

An online search sometimes provides revealing facts. But for the real scoop, you need to find people who've worked there.

Use networking contacts to get names of current or former employees, then call them. Actual conversations will provide more information than e-mail exchanges.

For best results, ask open-ended questions. Saying "Is XYZ Corp. a good place to work?" invites a one-syllable answer. To encourage greater disclosure, ask, "How would you describe the positive and negative aspects of working for XYZ?"

During interviews, you can pose tactful questions about the work environment. But interpret the answers carefully, because interviewers want to create a positive impression.

"Fast-paced" might translate to "overworked." And "flexible hours" could mean you'll be there long after sundown.

Once you have a job offer, you can ask to tour the facility or meet the staff. Fearful employees won't say much, so keep your eyes open for culture clues. If people appear relaxed and cheerful, that's a good sign. But if they seem harried and stressed, proceed with caution.

Q: I work in an office with five managers and only four employees. Over time, all the management positions have been filled with members of a minority group. Half of the employees are also minorities, as is the person who does the hiring.

I am one of only two Caucasian staff members. We constantly are scrutinized, reprimanded and denied greater responsibility.

I have seen fully qualified people passed over for less-educated, inexperienced minorities. Anyone who complains to human resources eventually is removed.

In two years, I will be eligible for full retirement. I can't decide whether to stay and suffer or to retire early. I'm tired of being treated with no respect, but I hate to lose retirement income. What do you think?

A: You've learned what it feels like to be a victim of discrimination.

People who are categorized by race, age, gender or other personal traits quickly become demoralized and resentful.

Basing employment decisions on such factors is clearly illegal, so you may have some recourse. However, you seem to fear that speaking out would be too hazardous.

Only you can decide whether larger retirement checks are worth two more years of discomfort.

If you stay, try to get along with your colleagues and avoid viewing everyone by his or her skin tone.

Having experienced prejudice yourself, you don't want to subject others to unfair stereotyping.

So don't let these events affect your attitude toward all minority group members.

- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.