Workplace communications not up to par? Take a look at what’s going wrong

Ever say something at work you wish you could take back? Does it happen frequently? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Stress can be one of the triggers for unfortunate communications at work. But regardless of what causes people to say the things they say—or not say what they probably should—data indicate that workplace relationships could benefit from more attention to effective communication, especially with the prevalence of digital communication among remote and hybrid workers.

Regrettable language

In November, language tutoring platform Preply released results of a survey of Americans showing that 87% confessed to using language they later regretted when their stress levels were high.

The most regretted phrase uttered at work was “I don’t care.” Other stress-induced remarks revealed in the survey are “Not my job” and “This is a waste of time.” Rounding out the top 10 regretted phrases: “I’m too busy”; “Who cares?”; It’s pointless”; “You’re wrong”; “You’re overreacting”; “I knew this would fail”; and “You always mess up.”

The survey found that more than two-fifths of employees acknowledged their stress-induced words have spurred misunderstandings or conflicts in the workplace.

Preply found that 62% of employees surveyed said exposure to others’ negativity at work decreased their motivation and job satisfaction, and two in five said their workplace culture is permissive toward such negative language.