Toxic workplaces are pervasive—a staggering 56 percent of American workers claim their immediate boss falls within the mildly to highly toxic spectrum. Toxic workplaces cause one in five people to leave their jobs at some point in their careers and even prompt employees to leave their jobs at a rate ten times that of compensation. The economic toll of toxic environments on U.S. employers is estimated to be nearly $50 billion annually, with extremely disengaged employees being roughly 20 percent less productive. The impact on health goes beyond heightened stress, burnout, and mental health issues to physical illnesses. For example, when employees experience injustice in the workplace, their odds of suffering a major disease (including coronary disease, asthma, diabetes, and arthritis) increase by 35 percent.

Employees identify a culture as toxic when it is marked by disrespect, non-inclusivity, unethical practices, cutthroat competition, and abuse.

Navigating such environments requires resilience and strategic approaches to maintain well-being and productivity. The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General outlines five key areas to focus on to ensure a healthy workplace culture and employee well-being.

To mitigate the impact of a toxic leader, explore connections with their higher-ups or lateral managers. Participate in special projects with different project managers to diversify your professional network. By broadening your scope, you may find mentors or........

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