New York — Three out of 5 workers recently surveyed say they have a boss who exhibits toxic behavior, and even more agree that better leadership training can be a solution.
Researchers from the Harris Poll surveyed a nationally representative group of more than 1,300 adults about their leaders at work.
The researchers defined a “toxic boss” as someone who exhibits harmful workplace behaviors such as unfair preferential treatment, lack of recognition, blame-shifting, unnecessary micromanagement, unreasonable expectations, being unapproachable, taking credit for others’ ideas, acting unprofessionally or discriminating against employees based on personal characteristics.
The top consequence of having a toxic boss was increased stress, burnout or decline in mental health, as reported by 47% of respondents.
Other findings:
- 70% of the respondents have had at least one toxic boss in their career.
- Two-thirds have switched jobs because of a toxic boss or worked on weekends, holidays or days off because of that boss.
- 53% have attended therapy to discuss a toxic boss.
Meanwhile, 64% pointed to improved leadership training as an antidote for toxic workplace behavior. Among the respondents who are people managers, 41% suggested having a dedicated budget for leadership training/development.
