In a Real Trends article, Philip Gagnon discussed a survey done by the State University of New York about the reasons agents leave their brokerages. One of the surprising findings in the research is the connection between retention and a toxic work environment. Over 85% of agents surveyed reported that they have left a brokerage because the environment was toxic. Many of the agents who did leave their brokerage reported they took a reduction in split to join a brokerage that did not have the toxic environment. There are two lessons to capture from this survey. Ask yourself about toxicity. Are you managing an office that has a toxic work environment? Is your team characterized by frequent drama and crisis management? Are you allowing bad actors to negatively define your culture? If toxicity issues are left unaddressed, your agents will seek peace in other organizations. Ask your recruiting prospects about toxicity. If toxicity and drama are rampant in the real estate industry, it’s likely a hot button for many prospects. Get in the habit of asking: Do you feel you work in a toxic work environment? Do you feel like the drama in your office keeps you from becoming a better agent? Establishing a refuge where agents can participate in a positive and supportive culture may be just the escape some of your prospects need to make progress in their career.