What to do if you're in a toxic workplace

Apnews - May 15th, 2025

Lisa Grouette, after enduring a decade of toxic behavior at an insurance agency, found relief by transitioning to a lower-paying job at a newspaper. Despite earning $400 less per month, she prioritized her mental health over financial gain, citing the happiness and peace she gained as invaluable. Her story highlights the growing trend of individuals refusing to tolerate abusive work environments as part of a broader societal shift toward prioritizing mental health and wellness.

This shift is particularly prominent among younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z, who are less willing to endure toxic behaviors in the workplace. Experts emphasize the importance of identifying toxic environments and establishing boundaries to protect mental well-being. With increasing awareness, many workers are documenting abuse, seeking support, and finding ways to either improve their situations or leave altogether. The story underscores the significance of mental health awareness in modern work culture and the steps individuals can take to foster healthier work environments.

Mental Health Gen Z Millennials Lisa Grouette Toxic Workplace Workplace Wellness Organizational Behavior

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of toxic workplaces, supported by personal anecdotes and expert insights. It effectively raises awareness about the issue and offers practical advice for individuals dealing with toxic environments. The story is well-structured and clear, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, it could benefit from additional empirical support and a broader range of perspectives, particularly from employers or HR professionals. Overall, the article is informative and relevant, contributing to ongoing discussions about workplace culture and mental health.

Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate depiction of toxic workplaces, supported by personal anecdotes and expert opinions. It accurately describes the characteristics of toxic environments and the strategies individuals use to cope with or escape them. However, some claims, such as the increase in workplace toxicity due to COVID-19 and generational differences in tolerating toxic behavior, would benefit from additional empirical support. The story's reliance on expert opinions lends credibility, but specific data or studies would enhance precision and verifiability.

Balance

The story presents a balanced view by including personal experiences and expert insights on toxic workplaces. It covers both the negative impacts of toxic environments and potential coping strategies. However, it primarily focuses on employee perspectives, with less emphasis on employer or organizational viewpoints. Including perspectives from HR professionals or managers could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clear, with a logical flow that guides readers through personal experiences, expert insights, and practical advice. The language is accessible, and the tone is neutral, making the information easy to comprehend. The use of direct quotes and anecdotes adds to the clarity and engagement of the story.

Source quality

The article features credible sources, including personal testimonies and expert opinions from a professor of organizational behavior and a clinical psychologist. These sources are relevant and authoritative in discussing workplace dynamics. However, the story could benefit from a broader range of sources, such as industry reports or studies, to support its claims more robustly and provide a fuller picture of the issue.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation, clearly attributing quotes and insights to specific individuals. It provides context for the personal stories shared, enhancing understanding of the situations described. However, it lacks detailed explanation of the methodology behind the expert insights and does not disclose potential conflicts of interest, which could affect impartiality.