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Towards a Framework for Toxic Workplace Cultures
Research project lead by
Cynthia Mathieu, Ph.D., Professor
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
In collaboration with
Rémi Labelle-Deraspe
Université du Sherbrooke, Canada

CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPANTS
Introduction

Your participation in this study, which aims to better understand toxic workplace cultures, would be greatly appreciated. However, before agreeing to participate in this project, please take the time to read this form. It will help you understand the potential scope of your participation in the research so that you can make an informed decision.

We invite you to contact the lead researcher, cynthia.mathieu@uqtr.ca, with any questions you may have. Feel free to ask for clarification on any words or information that is unclear.

Objectives and summary of the research project

The primary objective of the present project is to create a current, integrated, and comprehensive framework of toxic workplace cultures.

Nature and duration of your participation

Your participation consists of completing an online questionnaire, which should take approximately 20 minutes.


To participate, you must meet the following criteria:

(1) be 18 years or older;

(2) having had the experience of working in a toxic workplace


Risks and disadvantages

There are no risks associated with your participation. The only disadvantage is the time required for the project (approximately 20 minutes). It is possible that answering some questions may make you feel uncomfortable, we encourage you to use this website that will direct you to resources in your country: https://findahelpline.com/. Do not hesitate to contact the lead researcher, cynthia.mathieu@uqtr.ca, who can guide you toward an appropriate resource that can help you.

You will be asked to complete questions about your toxic workplace. It is possible that you may feel uncomfortable having to disclose this type of information. We assure you that your answers will remain strictly confidential and will under no circumstances be communicated to anyone.

Advantages or benefits

Participating in this research project provides you with an opportunity to contribute to the understanding of factors related to toxic workplaces.

Compensation or incentive

There is no monetary compensation associated with the completion of this questionnaire. However, you will be contributing to advancing science and learning about toxic workplaces

Confidentiality

The data collected for this study is completely confidential; the information you provide will be anonymized and will not lead to your identification, if you should need help or support, it will be impossible for the research team to reach you. Anonymous responses collected will only be seen by the research team. The results of the research project, which may be disseminated in the form of publications in specialized journals in work psychology, as well as in communications aimed at both the academic sector and the general public, will not allow participants to be identified. Only members of the research team who have signed a confidentiality agreement will have access to this information. Data related to the research project will be kept for a period of 5 years. After this period, the data will be destroyed (destruction is planned for May 2030).

Voluntary participation

Your participation in this study is voluntary. You are entirely free to participate or not, to refuse to answer certain questions, or to withdraw at any time without prejudice and without having to provide explanations. If you should wish to withdraw, please communicate with the primary researcher at Cynthia.mathieu@uqtr.ca, and your answers will be destroyed.

Researchers

For more information or if you have any questions about this research project, you can contact the lead researcher at cynthia.mathieu@uqtr.ca
Research ethics
This research is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and a certificate bearing the number CER-25-327-07.10 was issued on January 29, 2026.

If you have any questions or complaints regarding the ethical aspects of this research, you should contact the secretary of the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, by phone at 1 800 365-0922, ext.2139 or by e-mail at cereh@uqtr.ca

Consent
Researcher's commitment

I, Cynthia Mathieu, commit to conducting this study in accordance with all applicable ethical guidelines for projects involving human participants.
1.By selecting the options below, you indicate that you

- have read the information

- agree to participate(Required.)
Section 1: Demographic and Contextual Questions
2.Age Group:
3.Gender Identity:
4.Race/Ethnicity (Optional):
5.Highest Level of Education Completed:
6.Which country is the organization you will be referencing located in? (This refers to the organization, not you personally.)
7.Length of Time at the Organization:
8.Industry / Sector:
9.Your Role/Title at the Organization:
10.Level in Organization:
11.Employment Type:
12.Have you left this organization?
13.Do you consider the work culture in that organization to have been toxic?
Section 2: Structured Written Interview Questions
14.Describe the work environment at the organization you are referencing.
(Consider communication styles, leadership behaviours, relationships between coworkers, expectations, etc.)
15.What specific behaviours or patterns led you to describe the culture as toxic?
(Include examples such as bullying, lack of transparency, favouritism, discrimination, etc.)
16.How did this work culture affect your:
Mental health?
Job performance?
Personal life?
Views on work in general?
17.Did you report the issues or try to address them? If so, how did you proceed to report the issues (who did you report them to), and how did you try to address them?
18.If you did report issues, how was it handled by the individuals/entities you reported it to (for example, HR and/or leadership)?
(Were there any consequences or changes?)
19.Were there specific individuals or systems that perpetuated the toxic culture?

(Please identify if these individuals were same-level colleagues, a superior or, if you are a manager, an employee)
20.Were there any protective or positive elements in the environment (e.g., supportive coworkers, supportive leadership, good benefits, flexibility)?
21.In hindsight, what would you identify as early warning signs of the toxic culture?
22.How has this experience shaped your view of what a healthy workplace looks like?
23.What advice would you give to someone entering a toxic work environment—or to leaders trying to prevent one?
24.Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. We are grateful for your participation.

Reflecting on challenging workplace experiences can sometimes bring up difficult emotions. If you are feeling upset, unwell, or distressed after completing this survey, you may wish to seek support.

A list of support resources available in your country can be found here:
https://findahelpline.com/

Take care of yourself.