New research reveals a stark picture of workplace culture in Britain: nearly half of UK employees have either worked, or currently work, in a toxic environment.
The study, released to coincide with the launch of the first Psychological Safety Week (22–26 September 2025), highlights how bullying, favouritism, stress and relentless pressure are fuelling toxic workplaces.
Managers are identified as the leading source of toxic behaviours, leaving many employees feeling powerless — with almost one in three (30%) admitting they don’t feel able to raise concerns.
The personal and organisational cost is high. More than three quarters (76%) of workers say they have left at least one job because of a toxic culture, while two in five (40%) report walking away from multiple roles for the same reason.
Encouragingly, the majority (89%) of employees believe toxic workplaces can change for the better. They call for stronger leadership accountability, improved communication, better training around positive workplace behaviour, and more robust employee protections.
Key statistics from the research:
- 46% of UK workers say they have worked, or are currently working, in a toxic environment
- Leading causes: bullying, favouritism, stress/burnout culture, and relentless pressure
- 75% of workers have left at least one employer because of toxicity
- Managers and colleagues are the main source of toxic behaviour
- 89% believe workplace culture can be improved through leadership behaviour, communication, training, and better employee protections
To mark the findings, Professor Binna Kandola OBE, Business Psychologist, Senior Partner and co-founder of Pearn Kandola, has launched Psychological Safety Week, sponsored by The Financial Times — aimed at educating organisations on the importance and benefits of creating psychologically safe workplaces.
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