Nine in 10 Mexican Workers Report Facing Bad Leadership: OCC

New data from employment platform OCC reveals that many workers associate leadership with negative experiences. According to the platform’s Termómetro Laboral (Labor Thermometer) survey, 65% of respondents identified arrogance and abuse of power as the main traits of a bad boss.

The survey, conducted on Oct. 14–20, 2025, among 1,557 workers, found that nine out of 10 professionals in Mexico have experienced what they describe as “nightmare leadership.” Of those respondents, 35% said they had been disrespected by their supervisors, 29% reported favoritism toward certain colleagues, and 27% ultimately resigned from their jobs as a result. Only 9% said they had never had a negative experience with a boss or leader.

“When individuals are managed by a boss who is bombastic, excitable, and possesses low emotional intelligence, it engenders a significant amount of stress,” says Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Chief Innovation Officer, Manpower Group.

When asked to identify other defining traits of poor leadership, 17% pointed to excessive micromanagement, 9% cited indecisiveness, and another 9% mentioned a lack of professional ethics. These findings highlight persistent challenges in leadership and management styles across Mexican workplaces.

“Employees who feel their leaders do not adequately support them, do not value their contributions, or do not effectively communicate expectations and goals, are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere,” reports MetLife.

The results underscore the growing importance of positive leadership in organizational culture. Encouraging empathy, active listening, and open communication can help prevent workplace conflicts and reduce employee turnover while strengthening trust, productivity, and well-being among teams.

“It is widely proven that bad bosses harm organizations and their results. However, many companies continue to tolerate them, especially in a country as hierarchy-oriented as ours,” says Luis Eduardo Durán, President of the Diffusion Committee, COPARMEX.