Emotionally intelligent workers suffer most in toxic workplaces

Emotionally intelligent employees suffer more in toxic workplaces, experiencing empathy burnout and exhaustion as they perceive dysfunction others miss, according to psychologist Elise Dyer. These workers often act as peacemakers or confidants, absorbing tension while colleagues remain unaware. Women disproportionately bear this emotional labour, with higher burnout rates reported in recent studies. Experts say resilience training is insufficient; organisations must address structural issues and leadership accountability instead of relying on empathetic staff to manage toxicity.