Toxicity in the workplace has been an issue faced by employees across multiple sectors for a long time, but the pandemic has only worsened these tensions.
With some employees reaching the point of lying about having the virus for some urgently needed time off, which industries are brewing the most toxic working environments, and how can we learn to identify and avoid them?
Facing the facts
You might be shocked to learn that according to a study by business card specialists instantprint, almost 7 in 10 participants claimed to have worked in a toxic environment.
With such a large proportion of employees admitting this, it’s time to expose the sectors in which workplace toxicity is most rife.
Problem Industries
The findings suggested that the marketing, PR and advertising industry was the most toxic, with a concerning 87.5% of employees having experienced a toxic workplace during their career.
This was closely followed by environmental and agricultural settings and those working in healthcare, with over 80% of employees from both sectors having encountered a toxic work culture at some point.
The least toxic industries were revealed to be those of science and pharmaceuticals (45.5%), property and construction (55.3%), and media and internet (57.1%).
Bullying: the most toxic trait
Research shows that bullying has been established as a prevalent traumatic stressor in the workplace.
Worryingly, instantprint reported that while 46% agree that bullying is the most toxic trait in any workplace, only 14.3% of those working in the media and internet sector considered it so.
Bullying is least tolerated in the law enforcement and security industry, with 66.7% claiming this was the worst trait in the workplace. If you’re committed to stamping out bullying in your company, why not highlight your anti-bullying policy on your business card or website?
Red Flags
In the wake of such alarming statistics, it’s necessary to learn how to spot the behaviours and trends within the workplace that could culminate in an experience that leaves workers feeling stressed, anxious and trapped.
Workplace-induced trauma can be undermined, but sadly it is a real experience for employees across the country and can stem from multiple causes.
After bullying, other toxic traits seen at work include passive-aggressive communications, the forming of cliques, and the boss showing obvious favouritism for certain employees.
Figures also show that women are more likely to be affected by cliques, gossip and rumors’ than men. The formation of cliques and favoritism can go hand in hand and be particularly damaging for individuals who may start to feel as though they have no room for growth or development.
