Inspiring Workplaces: No Jerks Allowed! Why Toxic Behavior Costs More Than You Think

Published: Wed, 08/27/25

Updated: Wed, 08/27/25

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Inspiring Workplaces
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,089- August 27, 2025

No Work Jerks Allowed! Why Toxic Behavior Costs More Than You Think

Jerks at work might be costing you more than you think!

As I share in my book, "The Jerk-Free Workplace: How You Can Take the Lead to Create a Happier, More Inspiring Workplace" (just released as an audio book narrated my moi*) a University of Arizona study found that:

80% of employees lost time worrying about a jerk;
63% of employees lost time trying to avoid a jerk;
66% said their performance suffered because of a jerk;
25% admitted to taking their jerk-induced frustrations out on a customer;
12% resorted to leaving their job because of a jerk.

And sadly, this list only scratches the surface when it comes to tallying up the costs of putting up with jerks at work, which is why more and more workplaces have implemented a "No Jerks" policy!

Conversely, imagine the benefits of everyone adopting a leadership mindset at work, stepping up to be more accountable, and bringing more joy and humor into their workplaces. How could you NOT create a truly inspiring, rocking, fantabulous, successful, collaborative, and innovative workplace when everyone thinks and acts like a leader at work?

(*If you want to watch a short snippet of me recording The Jerk-Free Workplace in the recording studio, hop on over here!)

Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Today, August 27, is World Rock, Paper, Scissors Day! Not only can you hold a fast-paced round of RPS (as the kids call it) as a fun meeting energizer, you can also use this as a "reverse" contest where people try to lose in order to determine who has to do an unpopular chore at work. Simply have everyone do an elimination round by having the winner repeatedly pair up until two finalists are left. The last person standing is the winner (or, well, the loser in this case) who has to do the unpopular task!

Quote of the Week

"It isn't the ups and downs that make life difficult; it's the jerks." Charlie Chaplin

Funny Business

What happened to the summer? Seriously, when did they start making it so short? Yes, September, official Chicken Month, Courtesy Month, and Self-Improvement Month is upon us, which can only mean there's a new slate of theme days awaiting you, including:

September 1: Random Acts of Kindness Day

September 2: Thank You, IT Help Desk Day

September 5: Bring Your Manners to Work Day

September 8: Boss/Employee Exchange Day

September 9: Wonderful Weirdos Day

September 12: Hug and High-Five Day

September 13: Hug Your Boss Day

September 14: Hug Your Hound Day

September 16: Stay Away From Seattle Day

September 19: Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 22: Remote Employee Appreciation Day

September 25: One Hit Wonder Day

September 28: Drink Beer Day

September 29: International Coffee Day

September 30: Ask a Stupid Question Day

Cost-Saving Opportunities to
Book Michael

New Brunswick: September dates Ontario: September 15-19

Winnipeg: September 23-25*

Edmonton: Sept. 29-Oct 3

Ontario: October 7-14

Ontario: October 26-31

Halifax: December 1-10

(*Huge savings for Winnipeg on these dates!)

How to Be Happier at Work!

Michael popped on CBC radio's program "The Cost of Living" to share some insights on how anyone can be a little (or a lot) happier at work. (4 minutes)

Are You Leveraging YOUR Humor Advantage? My lemon-scented, gluten-free book The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses Are Laughing All the Way to the Bank is packed full of hundreds of real world examples of businesses flexing their funny bones to help them create more inspiring workplace cultures, lower stress, boost resiliency, spark creativity, improve communications, and add a little zest to their customer experiences.

"A fire hose of information that will turn your culture upside down!" Mike Easton, President and CEO Argus Industries

Follow Michael Kerr - The Workplace Energizer!

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