What's Happening?
A recent survey conducted in October 2026 among 1,014 employed U.S. adults reveals that 69% of workers have experienced workplace undermining in the past year. This includes being blamed for mistakes, having errors highlighted unnecessarily, being gossiped
about, or being excluded from important discussions. The study, conducted by ResumeBuilder.com, indicates that 77% of workers consider such backstabbing or intentional undermining to be at least somewhat common. Motivations for these behaviors often stem from self-preservation and ambition, with 37% believing colleagues undermine others to protect their own jobs and an equal percentage citing the desire for recognition or credit. Another 34% believe it's to improve promotion chances.
Why It's Important?
The widespread prevalence of workplace backstabbing has significant implications for U.S. businesses and employee well-being. Such behaviors can erode trust, decrease morale, and lead to a less collaborative and productive work environment. When employees feel they cannot trust their colleagues or managers, it can result in increased stress, reduced job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates. The survey highlights that 62% of workers believe someone has tried to push them out of their job, with teammates (37%) and direct managers (19%) being the most frequent sources of this perceived threat. This internal conflict can undermine team cohesion and overall organizational effectiveness, impacting business performance and innovation.
What's Next?
The findings suggest that companies need to address the underlying causes of workplace backstabbing, particularly the anxieties related to job security and layoffs. As Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at ResumeBuilder.com, notes, a workplace fueled by fear is not sustainable. Employers may need to implement clearer communication strategies regarding job security, foster a culture of psychological safety, and provide training on conflict resolution and ethical workplace conduct. For individual employees, the advice is to be proactive in exploring other opportunities if workplace anxiety becomes pervasive, as having a backup plan can provide leverage. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating healthier and more productive work environments.
Beyond the Headlines
The survey's insights into workplace backstabbing reveal deeper societal and psychological dynamics at play within professional settings. The fear of layoffs, a recurring theme in economic cycles, appears to intensify competitive behaviors, turning colleagues into rivals. This shift can have long-term effects on professional relationships and career development, potentially fostering a more individualistic and less supportive work culture. The ethical dimension of employees being willing to call attention to a coworker's mistakes to save their own job (35% indicated they would be likely to do so) underscores a moral dilemma driven by economic insecurity. This trend could lead to a re-evaluation of corporate values and the importance of empathy and solidarity in the workplace, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
