A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice revealed that 67% of American workers have experienced “therapy speak” at their workplace. This refers to the use of empathetic-sounding language or tone which fails to follow through with appropriate action. The survey found that 34% of those who experienced this type of communication received it from their direct manager, 33% from company leadership, and 30% from colleagues. The percentage of Millennials who experienced “therapy speak” was even higher, with 79% reporting it.
Additionally, 66% of workers have experienced at least one type of cutback within the last year, including layoffs, slashed raises and bonuses, reduced spending budgets, hiring freezes, and announcements of layoffs. The survey further revealed that employees often found their employer’s communication insensitive, particularly when delivering bad news. Employers’ catchphrases such as “Your feedback is important to us” and “We’re all in this together” came across as disingenuous and did not ring true.
Managing Director at The Harris Poll Thought Leadership and Futures Practice, Abbey Lunney, stated that this disconnect between employers and employees can be detrimental to building strong relationships, retaining employees, and maintaining productivity. She emphasized the need for more genuine engagement that is thoughtful, compassionate, and human to rise above “therapy speak.”
- 71% of workers: “I can easily see through my company’s ingenuine friendly or empathetic tone in their communications.”
- 69% of workers: “It’s hypocritical of my leadership to cut corners in my workplace (e.g., decreasing budgets or hiring); while pocketing in a lot of money in bonuses.”
- 55% of workers: “I feel like my employer ‘listens,’ but only to win arguments.”
According to a survey, 50% of the employees are considering finding a new job due to decreased enthusiasm and increased resentment at work. Additionally, the use of “therapy speak” in the workplace has made 61% of respondents hesitant to recommend their employer, 59% less excited about their job, 57% resentful toward the leadership team, and 55% feeling undervalued as employees.
How does this make employee-employer relationships feel more transactional and transitory?
- 60% of workers: “I noticed that my work relationships (e.g., with my boss, colleagues, business partners, or clients) have become more transactional in nature (i.e., everything is strictly ‘business’) in the last three years.”
- 56% of workers: “My company’s caring is very short-lived (i.e., there is no follow-through on plans, etc.).”
- 55% of workers: “I don’t feel like my employer has my back in difficult situations (i.e., layoffs, reduced or eliminated incentives or benefits, etc.).”
Finally, the survey found eight in 10 employees say communication at work heavily affects how they feel about their jobs. They would prefer an employer that is more genuine and honest.
- 79% of workers: “Communication at work heavily affects how I feel about my job.”
- 81% of workers: “I prefer a genuine and honest communication over ‘therapy speak’ at work.”
The survey was conducted online April 28-30, 2023, among 2,075 U.S. adults comprising 810 full-time employees.
