U.S. workplace ethics crisis driving resignations, Resume Now survey finds
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — A new survey reveals a worrying trend in American workplaces: nearly half of U.S. employees have considered quitting their jobs over ethical inconsistencies between what their employer says and what they actually do.
The Ethics Fallout Report, published by Resume Now and based on May 6, 2025 survey of 1,000 workers, found that 47% of employees have thought about leaving because their company’s actions did not align with its stated values.
As the report states, “When employees lose trust in leadership, it’s not just morale that suffers; it’s retention, honesty, and authenticity.”
Employees stay silent and witness injustice
More than a third (36%) said they have remained silent about unethical behavior to avoid jeopardizing their jobs. About one in five workers or 21% admitted to having lied “to protect their image or job.” Only 26% reported they would “definitely” report an unethical boss.
Witnessing workplace misconduct is not uncommon:
- 21% have seen retaliation against people who spoke up.
- 9% say their employer’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are just for show.
- 43% have observed favoritism in promotions or raises.
- Only 34% said their workplace was free from these problems.
The report warns that such “favoritism, retaliation, and performative diversity efforts are red flags.” Leadership that disregards its own stated values erodes both trust and psychological safety, with one participant noting, “Ethics are conditional, not universal.”
Workers struggle for authenticity and safety
Pressure to conform is also taking its toll. According to the survey:
- 54% feel they have to “fit the mold” to get by at work.
- Only 41% feel comfortable raising ethical concerns.
- 44% said they would only recommend their employer depending on the specific team; 16% said “no way” when asked if they’d recommend the company at all.
The report emphasizes that workplace safety includes psychological safety: “When employees feel like they have to mask their identity or stay silent to survive, authenticity takes a back seat to self-protection.”
For many, this culture of fear is the catalyst to seek new job opportunities where values and ethics better align.
