Resume Now Survey Finds Failing Ethics in the Workplace Are Fueling Turnover and Silence

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Table of contents

Key Findings
Witnesses to Injustice
Employees Feel Inauthentic and Unsafe
Methodology

When employees lose trust in leadership, it's not just morale that suffers; it's retention, honesty, and authenticity. Ethics in the workplace are critical to a healthy working culture.

According to Resume Now's new Ethics Fallout Report, many workers are questioning whether their company truly practices what it preaches. The May 2025 survey of 1,000 U.S. employees reveals insights into the reasons why employees quit, with nearly half (47%) stating that they have considered quitting because their employer's actions didn't align with its stated values. Another 36% say they've stayed silent about unethical behavior just to protect their job.

Key Findings

47% have considered quitting a job over values misalignment.
36% stayed silent about unethical behavior to protect themselves.
21% admit they've lied to protect their image or job.
Only 26% would definitely report an unethical boss.

Witnesses to Injustice

Many workers aren't just worried; they've seen unethical behavior play out firsthand.

21% saw retaliation after someone spoke up.
9% say DEI efforts exist only for show.
43% witnessed favoritism in promotions or raises.
Only 34% say none of these issues have occurred at their workplace.

What this means: Favoritism, retaliation, and performative diversity efforts are red flags for any workplace. For employees, seeing these behaviors signals that ethics are conditional, not universal. Bad leadership can undermine a workplace's ethics and—in doing so—undermine employees' sense of safety and trust. Inconsistent or lacking ethics in the workplace can damage morale, create fear, and contribute to a toxic workplace culture. If you've witnessed this behavior, you're not alone, and it may be time to evaluate whether your career values align with where you work.

Employees Feel Inauthentic and Unsafe

Many workers are also hiding who they are just to "fit in" or keep their jobs.

54% feel pressure to "fit the mold" at work.
Just 41% feel comfortable raising ethical concerns.
44% would only recommend their company depending on the team; 16% say "no way."

What this means: Feeling safe at work isn't just about physical safety; it's about psychological safety, too. When employees feel like they have to mask their identity or stay silent to survive, authenticity takes a back seat to self-protection. This need for self-preservation is one of the strongest signs of a toxic workplace. For many workers, this culture of fear and inauthenticity contributes to restarting the job search. Finding a role where workplace ethics and individual career values align is one way employees can avoid career regrets.

Looking for a change of scenery? Our AI Resume Builder can help you land a new role by creating or updating your resume to meet the standards of the competitive job market.

For press inquiries, contact Joseph Santaella at joseph@resume-now.com.

Methodology

The findings in this report are based on a survey conducted with 1,000 U.S. workers on May 6, 2025. Participants were asked about ethical behavior, trust in leadership, and alignment between stated company values and lived experiences. The survey included a mix of multiple choice, scaled-response, binary, and multi-select questions to capture a wide range of perspectives on workplace culture and ethics.

Keith is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches dedicated to helping job seekers excel in their careers.