‘Tangible toxicity’ seeing more men leave their jobs

Poor workplace culture is seeing more Aussie men give up their posts, according to a workplace education provider.

Inspire Learning Australia founder Bill Carson said “tangible toxicity” playing up in Australian workplaces is seeing a rise in men choosing to quit their jobs.

“What we are seeing across the country is a growing number of men throwing in their corporate roles,” Mr Carson said.

“They are fed up, stressed and anxious having to deal with tangible toxicity. Tangible toxicity is a sinister and harmful issue that involves silent bullying, discrimination, isolation and unfair and unwarranted judgment and pressure that results in physical harm to people.

“Tangible toxicity is felt by those subjected to it. It causes health and wellbeing issues such as high blood pressure, worry, sleep loss, agitation and lethargy. If left untreated, it can lead to significant mental and physical health issues. Typically poor and uncaring management and leadership results in tangible toxicity.”

Men are crying out for greater support from their managers, Mr Carson noted, explaining that requests to take time off or for greater flexibility are often falling on deaf ears.

“One person told me that his manager openly mocked him at a team meeting, making jokes and belittling his concerns, which left the person feeling humiliated and reluctant to speak up about his mental health issues again,” Mr Carson said.

“Another manager told me that despite providing medical documentation for a cancer diagnosis and associated mental health issues, his manager refused to accommodate any requests for support and said that he had to continue to perform at the same level as everyone else.

“What I am seeing is a rise in the number of men calling it quits. They are leaving workplaces that no longer give them the flexibility and support they need. This is a significant shift because traditionally, men have been raised to be stoic and push through – but it seems that these attitudes are changing.

“Now we are losing good people through poor workplace behaviour and psychologically unsafe workplaces. Men are choosing to take a different path. They are opting to change careers, start up their own businesses, work in less demanding roles and take on new opportunities that give them the freedom to spend more time with their family and take better care of their health.”

Mr Carson advised businesses to urgently address their workplace culture in response to the number of Australian men throwing in their corporate jobs.

“Unfortunately, due to the tight labour market and the changing nature of workplaces since COVID, many workplaces have recruited and retained people that are not the ideal fit for organisations, and they are causing a lot of workplace damage. In addition, workplaces have lost sight of and are no longer in touch with their organisational values. Hybrid workplaces have resulted in a loss of culture and the ability to entrench, develop and foster good people practices,” he explained.

“As a result, many workplaces are no longer psychologically safe and are rife with tangible toxicity. This is evident in the feedback I am receiving from people who have reached out for help.”