A majority of workers, 87%, have encountered one or more toxic bosses or managers in their careers, with 57% having experienced at least one and 30% enduring multiple toxic managerial relationships, according to a survey by FlexJobs.  

Conversely, 13% of respondents reported never having had a toxic boss or manager. 

The top reasons cited by workers that made bosses toxic are poor communication, 43%; dismissive behavior, 41%; and micromanagement, 40%. 

While 28% of employees provided feedback about their concerns to the boss, it was reportedly ignored. In addition, 21% reached out to HR, but their concerns were also dismissed. 

Employees having toxic bosses reported experiencing consequences such as increased anxiety, 51%; mental fatigue, 44%; and physical symptoms, 33%.  

The report also found job performance suffered, with 30% of workers seeing decreased engagement and skill set self-doubt and nearly a quarter, 24%, witnessing productivity and performance declines.  

Overall, 43% of workers have quit their jobs because of a toxic boss.  

“Especially for those in a leadership role, we hope these findings underscore how important healthy workplace relationships are to shaping positive employee experiences and supporting strong health and wellness for all workers,” Toni Frana, lead career expert at FlexJobs, said in a press release.  

The survey includes responses from more than 8,400 US workers. It was conducted between Aug. 2 and Aug. 17.