#United States #Oklahoma City #Workplace Culture #toxic workplace #employee behavior

Growing Concerns Over Workplace Hostility

New research highlights a significant rise in toxic behavior in workplaces across the United States, as 30% of employed individuals indicate that confrontations among employees have become more prevalent in recent years. This worrying trend emphasizes the need for companies to take urgent action to cultivate a healthier work environment.

A Deepening Crisis

According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll, confrontational behavior is on the rise, with male job seekers reporting a 34% encounter rate compared to 23% for female job seekers. Additionally, 22% of employed individuals have noted an increase in mean behaviors in the workplace over the previous year. This deterioration of workplace relationships not only affects morale but is also leading many employees to explore new job opportunities.

Personal Experiences of Toxicity

Reflecting on the adverse effects of hostile work environments, several survey respondents shared their personal narratives. One male job seeker described, "I remember when some workers got physical with each other because of offensive comments made about a personal life. The aggression created a hostile environment that affected the entire team." Meanwhile, a female job seeker recounted her struggles with a coworker who attempted to sabotage her work without repercussions until she ultimately left due to declining mental health. These alarming accounts highlight the urgent need for management to address toxic behaviors before they spiral further out of control.

The Role of Company Culture

The survey findings reveal that company culture plays a crucial role in either mitigating or exacerbating these issues. Over half, 54%, of job seekers advocate for a cultural shift within workplaces to meet the evolving expectations and needs of employees, particularly younger demographics. Female respondents were particularly vocal about the necessity for cultural adaptation, with 59% expressing this view compared to 49% of their male counterparts.

Moreover, there seems to be agreement on maintaining professional boundaries. 55% of job seekers believe that it is inappropriate for employees to expect their coworkers to adhere to the same relational boundaries they set with family and friends.

Hiring Managers' Observations

From the perspective of hiring managers, the situation appears equally dire. 50% reported observing worse employee behavior over the last three years, with 74% witnessing toxic traits flourishing within teams. Gossiping emerged as the most frequent issue, with 39% of managers noting its presence, followed by unprofessional communication (27%) and interpersonal avoidance behaviors (24%).

One hiring manager reported, "An employee consistently gossiped about colleagues, which undermined trust and morale across the team." Another recounted a scenario where one team member persistently interrupted others in meetings, dismissively shutting down their ideas, thus fostering an environment of intimidation and disrespect.

Need for Proactive Measures

Despite 84% of employed individuals stating that their companies have implemented strategies to manage conflict, the emphasis on proactive measures must increase. Just over half of participants emphasized the need for resources related to conflict resolution, promoting communication with supervisors, and mandatory training on appropriate workplace conduct. Additionally, 62% advocated for visible reminders in the workplace encouraging positive behavior, echoing a strong sentiment among younger generations.

Conclusion

According to Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment, addressing toxic workplace behaviors is imperative for attracting and retaining top talent. He states, "A toxic environment not only drives employees away but greatly tarnishes a company's reputation. To cultivate a workforce that attracts skilled professionals, fostering a culture of respect and positivity is essential." As organizations navigate this crisis, it is clear that addressing workplace toxicity is crucial in ensuring not only employee satisfaction but also the overall success and stability of the business moving forward.

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, polled 1,001 hiring decision-makers from Nov. 11 – 26, 2024. A complementary survey, the Job Seeker Report, included 1,039 participants aged 18 and older from Nov. 21 to Dec. 10, 2024. For further survey specifics, contact [email protected]

For interviews on this significant issue, please reach out to the same contact.

About Express Employment Professionals

Founded in Oklahoma City, Express Employment Professionals operates as a leading staffing franchisor, emphasizing the significance of tailored employment solutions for diverse communities across the globe. With approximately 427,000 individuals employed worldwide in 2024 and over 11 million since inception, they prioritize enhancing workplace dynamics and employee growth. For additional details, visit ExpressPros.com.