A new study has shed light on the emotional struggles that employees face when they feel undervalued by their colleagues. Researchers from the University of East Anglia, in collaboration with academics from the University of Cyprus and Aristotle University in Greece, conducted a study involving 71 participants across various industries.
The researchers asked participants to complete daily surveys over five working days, which included questions about how much they experienced "embitterment" each day. Embitterment is an emotional response to perceived workplace injustice and is linked to increased levels of rumination—where individuals repeatedly dwell on negative thoughts and emotions related to work outside of working hours.
Key Findings
- People are more likely to experience embitterment on days when they are given extra tasks without being thanked or recognized for their efforts.
- This can lead to individuals feeling unable to switch off from work, causing problems in both personal and professional life.
- Employees experiencing higher levels of embitterment were significantly more likely than others in similar circumstances to report having engaged in fewer illegitimate tasks when they received greater colleague appreciation.
- However, this relationship became non-significant once supervisor appreciation was taken into account.
According to Dr. Elena Dumin-Schneider at the School of Psychology at UEA’s Norwich Medical School:
"We found that appreciative feedback coming directly or indirectly via supervisors plays a critical role in mitigating feelings stemming from illegitimacy task assignments while protecting against spillover into private lives."
Dr. Dumin-Schneider added:
"Our findings suggest that managers should take note of how their employees are being treated by colleagues as well as themselves if they want them not only happy but also healthy."
Methodology
- Participants: 71 participants across various industries
- Data Collection: Daily surveys over five working days
- Focus Areas:
- Embitterment (emotional response to perceived workplace injustice)
- Rumination (repeatedly dwelling on negative thoughts and emotions related to work outside of working hours)
- Analysis: Focused on relationships between variables
Conclusion
This research provides valuable insights into the emotional struggles faced by employees who feel undervalued by their colleagues. By understanding these issues better, we can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing workplace injustice and providing support for employees who may be struggling with these issues.
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