Nearly Half of U.S. Workers Admit to "Revenge Quitting" Their Jobs

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Nov 17, 2025, 09:30 ET

Monster survey reveals abrupt resignations are a major red flag for workplace culture and retention

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Monster's 2025 Revenge Quitting Report of more than 3,600 U.S. employees, 47% of workers say they've abruptly quit a job, without notice, as a protest against unsatisfactory treatment or a toxic environment. The survey shows that revenge quitting isn't just an isolated phenomenon, it's a significant symptom of deeper issues within organizational culture.

The research also shows that 57% of workers report witnessing at least one coworker leave in this manner, and a staggering 87% believe revenge quitting is justified when workplace conditions are poor.

"Sudden resignations aren't just individual exits, they're warning signals flashing across workplace culture," said Vicki Salemi, Monster's Career Expert. "When nearly half of your workforce is willing to leave without notice, it means they've lost faith in management, respect, or opportunity. Employers must act before quiet disengagement becomes a full-blown exodus."

Key Findings

47% admit to quitting abruptly to protest poor treatment or culture.
57% have witnessed a colleague "revenge quit."
32% point to a toxic work environment as the primary reason for quitting.
31% blame poor management or leadership.
63% say better workplace culture would have kept them from leaving abruptly.
46% say a different boss would have prevented their sudden resignation.

Why Employees Quit Without Notice

The findings show the most common drivers aren't salary alone, but the intangible elements that shape a workplace's emotional environment:

32% – A toxic or disrespectful culture
31% – Poor leadership or lack of trust
23% – Feeling undervalued or ignored

Exit Timelines: How Long Before Workers Leave

Revenge quitting doesn't always mean an immediate exit. Monster's data shows that many employees endure dissatisfaction for months, often even years, before finally reaching a breaking point:

18% stayed 2+ years before quitting
10% stayed 1–2 years
9% stayed 6–12 months
17% left within 6 months

This suggests that discontent often builds over time, giving employers a critical window to intervene before frustration turns into resignation. Addressing cultural issues early can help reduce turnover and rebuild trust.

What Employers Need to Know

These abrupt departures have ripple effects on team morale, productivity, and retention. Monster's survey suggests leaders should focus less on strictly the financial incentives and more on creating environments that respect employees, offer growth, and foster trust. Key steps include:

Building a safe, inclusive culture where concerns can be voiced early.
Training managers to lead empathetically and communicate clearly.
Recognizing contributions in meaningful ways, beyond pay.
Offering clear career pathways so employees feel invested rather than trapped.

The Bottom Line

With nearly half of workers willing to walk out without notice, the trend of revenge quitting is more than a shock, it's a signal of systemic disengagement. Monster's research underscores that to retain talent and protect workplace morale, organizations must fix culture and leadership issues before employees simply leave.

Methodology: This poll was conducted by Monster in March 2025 among more than 3,600 U.S. workers across industries and experience levels. Respondents were asked about their experiences with misleading job descriptions, employer transparency, and personal honesty during the application process. Questions included yes/no, scale-based questions where they indicated their level of agreement with statements, and multiple-choice where they could select from a list of provided options.

For more information, please view the full report at https://www.monster.com/career-advice/job-search/news-and-insights/revenge-quitting-poll-2025 or contact Kate Keane at [email protected].

About Monster
Monster is a leading job search and online recruiting platform that helps people not just find jobs, but discover where they belong. For more than 30 years, Monster has been a trusted worldwide leader in connecting people and possibilities, empowering individuals to pursue opportunities while helping employers hire faster and with greater confidence. Recognized on G2 as a category leader and featured by CNN, USA Today, CNBC, Inc., and Forbes, Monster continues to open new doors for people and businesses everywhere. Follow Monster on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and Pinterest. Learn more at https://www.monster.com/.