The term “workplace toxicity” can be applied to any environment employees would describe as poisonous, harmful, or very unpleasant — not exactly a badge of honor. Which begs the question: If any employee describes their professional culture in this way, why would they stay?
In a recent survey by online career platform The Muse, the answer had a lot to do with a respondent’s age. Seventy-four percent of millennials (ages 25-40) and 79% of Gen X (ages 41-56) reported facing toxic situations at work, while 59% of Boomers (ages 59+) and 44% of Gen Z had experienced toxicity. Gen Z, however, is most likely to do something about it: 27% of the youngest generation reported actively trying to leave a toxic situation, compared to 22% of millennials and Gen X and just 16% of boomers.
