Why Are Canadians Leaving Their Jobs? The Alarming Rise of Workplace Toxicity Revealed!

Gossiping, Bullying and Harassment Among Worst Workplace Behaviours

TORONTO, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — There has been a troubling increase in “toxic” behaviours within the workplace, underscoring the critical need for companies to take immediate action to prevent employees from leaving, according to a newly released Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

This escalation in toxic behaviours not only damage workplace relationships but also undermine the overall company culture, prompting many employees to seek new job opportunities. In fact, one quarter of job seekers (25%) who quit their previous job did so to leave a toxic work environment and one-fifth of employed job seekers (19%) say they are currently looking for a new job to leave their toxic workplace.

Personal Accounts of Toxicity

Several respondents provided personal accounts of specific toxic behaviours they have experienced:

• “My manager blamed me for a mistake that wasn’t my fault three times over a period of at least two months…” — Employed, 41-year-old male job seeker
• “The manager was bullying me verbally when he talked to the boss…” — Employed, 22-year-old female job seeker
• “During a project meeting, this employee frequently interrupted others…” — Employed, 40-year-old female job seeker
• “Supervisor taking credit for innovative advancements…” — Unemployed, 62-year-old male job seeker

Hiring Managers’ Perspective

Hiring managers also report a troubling increase in toxic behaviours. Almost half of Canadian hiring managers (45%) say they have observed more instances of poor employee behaviour being reported now than they did three years ago. Nearly three-quarters (74%) have witnessed toxic traits regularly, with gossiping (39%) being the most common.

Company Culture and Adaptation

The findings underscore the significance of company culture in addressing toxic behaviours. More than half of job seekers (56%) believe that company culture should adapt to changing times and employee desires. Additionally, 64% of job seekers agree that it is inappropriate for employees to demand the same boundaries from their coworkers that they set with their family and friends.

Proactive Measures Needed

While 75% of employed job seekers say their company implements measures to manage conflicts, 25% say their company does not take any steps, highlighting the need for more proactive approaches. This includes providing resources on conflict resolution (47%) and encouraging open communication with supervisors (46%).

“Addressing toxic behaviours in the workplace is crucial for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International.

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals among 505 Canadian hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report surveyed 505 adults ages 18 and older between Nov. 21 to Dec. 6, 2024.