Picture this, you’ve had a bad day at work, you’re frustrated with your boss, you feel you’re losing the work-life balance, and you start “rage-applying” for any and every role that presents itself hoping the universe will find the solution. 

Well, it turns out you’re not alone. 

Up to 60% of professionals admit to “rage-applying” for a new role since the start of 2024, with most reaching peak frustration with their employers. 

Two in three admit to it for numerous reasons, out of frustration with their employer, with 65% saying a “toxic culture” is the lead motive for them wanting to leave. 

A fifth stated that a lack of work life balance is driving them to apply elsewhere, 13% blamed an unmanageable workload, and just 3% said that a disagreement with management led to them “rage applying” in the past six months.  

The trend occurs when professionals retaliate for a bad day at work by firing out multiple applications to new job roles.  

Of those who admitted to “rage applying” in the past six months, almost half (47%) stated that they had applied to multiple new roles within a short space of time.  

The findings come from recent research by recruitment specialists Robert Walters. 

The national recruiter surveyed more than 2,000 Australian professionals.  

Robert Walters ANZ CEO Shay Peters says a toxic work culture can stunt the growth of a business. 

“It’s rather intriguing to observe that this surge in job applications is not primarily motivated by factors such as salary or career advancement. Rather, it seems to stem from the work environment and policies, which lie entirely within the employer’s control,” he said.  

“Identifying toxic workplace cultures isn’t always a simple task, yet it can profoundly affect the mental well-being, morale, and creativity of employees.”  

According to the research by Robert Walters, working within an inspiring company culture  is the number one thing that attracts professionals to a job advert, ahead of flexible work and enhanced benefits packages.  

As Gen Z enter the workforce employers can expect to see the focus on work life balance increase, Mr Peters says.  

“As we embrace the arrival of more Gen Z individuals into the workforce, it’s crucial for employers to recognise that the priorities of employees are evolving.  

“While salaries may have once reigned supreme as the primary driving force, Gen Z is considerably more concerned about the office culture and working policies.”  

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