New data highlights a concerning rise in toxic workplace behaviors, prompting an urgent need for businesses to foster healthier environments. According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, 30% of U.S. job seekers report an increase in confrontational behavior at their companies compared to three years ago. This trend is especially pronounced among male job seekers (34%) versus female job seekers (23%).
With workplace toxicity escalating, businesses risk losing valuable employees, damaging company culture, and weakening their employer brand. Addressing these concerns proactively is crucial to maintaining a productive and engaged workforce.
The Growing Impact of Workplace Toxicity
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Increasing Hostility and Workplace Conflict
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22% of employed job seekers have noticed a rise in mean behavior at work over the past year.
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Toxic behaviors are creating hostile environments, pushing employees to seek new job opportunities.
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Personal Accounts of Workplace Toxicity
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Employees report experiences ranging from physical altercations to bullying and sabotage.
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Many cases highlight a lack of managerial intervention, leading to emotional distress and resignations.
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Company Culture and Adaptation
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54% of job seekers believe company culture should evolve with employees’ needs rather than forcing workers to conform.
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Female job seekers (59%) are more likely than males (49%) to emphasize the importance of adapting company culture.
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57% of job seekers struggle to differentiate between personality clashes and a genuinely hostile work environment.
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Hiring Managers’ Perspective on Workplace Toxicity
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Increasing Reports of Toxic Behavior
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50% of hiring managers have observed more reports of poor behavior than three years ago.
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74% regularly witness toxic traits such as:
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Gossiping (39%)
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Unprofessional communication (27%)
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Employees avoiding collaboration (24%)
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Micromanagement (19%)
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Taking credit for others’ work (19%)
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Specific Toxic Incidents Reported by Hiring Managers
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Gossip and negativity undermining team morale.
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Employees disregarding others’ ideas and dominating meetings.
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Instances of inappropriate messages and threats.
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Proactive Measures to Reduce Workplace Toxicity
Despite 84% of employed job seekers stating that their company implements conflict management measures, further proactive steps are needed, including:
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Providing conflict resolution resources (53%)
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Encouraging open communication with supervisors (52%)
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Mandating workplace behavior training (36%)
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Displaying workplace behavior reminders (27%)
Additionally, 62% of job seekers believe that signage reminding employees to maintain respectful interactions is necessary, particularly among younger generations:
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Gen Z (78%)
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Millennials (64%)
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Gen X (56%)
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Boomers/Seniors (44%)
Workplace toxicity is a growing concern that can damage company reputation, employee retention, and overall productivity. As Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller states, “A toxic environment not only drives employees away but also tarnishes a company’s reputation, making it more difficult to recruit skilled professionals.”
By fostering a culture of respect, implementing proactive conflict resolution strategies, and adapting to workforce expectations, companies can create a more positive work environment—ensuring long-term success in talent retention and recruitment.
