Why “Let’s Keep Improving This” Might Be the Most Confusing Thing Your Boss Says

Have you ever come across the statement “let’s keep improving this?” at your workplace? Initially, it might seem encouraging, especially in the contemporary work environment where growth is encouraged. In fact, many employees will initially think that the statement is an indication that the manager is committed to growth.

However, according to the National Institutes of Health, the publication by the institution indicates that vague performance statements often lead to confusion among employees as they try to determine what “improvement” means.

It is at this point that the issue begins, as motivation is not only about encouragement but also about understanding, as the lack of understanding can lead to stress rather than motivation.

Why managers rely on vague encouragement

Many managers use open-ended phrases because they are easy to say and promote positivity without the need for detailed feedback, which is often difficult to provide. Also, managers feel the pressure to demonstrate continuous improvement, which is why they use this statement over and over.

According to the NIH-backed research, this can happen because they lack effective feedback systems or the time to provide effective guidance. The research also explains that managers often think that by promoting continuous improvement, they are motivating employees to do better. However, this is not always the case.

The employees may view the efforts of the leader to motivate them as yet another way to pressure them to improve. As time passes, the employees may start to feel as if no matter how well they are doing, it is still not enough.

One important point to take away from the NIH study is that unclear goals can contribute to decreased job satisfaction because the employees feel uncertain about their performance and their position within the group. It is harder to feel motivated when one is uncertain about what it means to be successful.

The link to stress and burnout

One of the most damaging effects of ambiguous and repetitive improvement language is on mental health. The constant stress without recognition creates a culture in which employees feel they are expected to constantly improve without ever really reaching a point of satisfaction.

Research published in an NIH publication has shown that a work culture like this can actually cause stress and burnout in employees, particularly when they are not recognized for what they have already achieved.

The research points out that when workers feel as though expectations are constantly in flux or undefined, their stress level increases because they can never feel a sense of accomplishment, which is necessary for mental well-being.

Experts in management studies consistently emphasize that specific and actionable feedback is far more effective than general encouragement. Clear communication helps employees understand what is expected, what they are doing well, and what exactly needs to improve.

Finding the right balance

The phrase doesn’t automatically mean that the emphasis on constant improvement is wrong. Why? There should always be room for improvement, as it is important for both individuals and companies. That said, it is important to find the right balance between ambition, clarity, and acknowledgment.

Nobody wants to end up getting vague feedback and, in return, be burdened with expectations, right?

This is also supported by the NIH study, which recommends the use of examples, goals, and acknowledgment to promote improvement. This way, employees will not feel pressured to improve, which is important for the creation of healthy workplaces.

What are your thoughts?