Why “We’re Still Defining Your Role” Feels Worse Than It Sounds

In some workplaces, employees may sometimes be informed by HR departments that their role is yet to be finalized, and while this may seem like a simple update in terms of employment details, research has shown that this can lead to a condition referred to as role ambiguity, whereby a person lacks information regarding their role in the organization.

This can make it difficult for a person to understand what exactly they are expected to do in a given day and how they can be assessed in the future.

Research by various experts, published on PubMed, has shown that role ambiguity is not just a mere condition in a workplace setting; rather, it is a psychological stressor that can influence a person’s productivity as they try to achieve organizational goals that are not very clear.

Why unclear roles are more common than you think

Role ambiguity has also been witnessed in organizations undergoing rapid change, restructuring, or changes in business strategy, where management delays role definition in order to remain adaptable.

Even though this strategy has helped organizations remain adaptable, it has put the employees in a state of uncertainty, which has hindered their efficiency in performing work roles.

The same PubMed report has pointed out that communication gaps, delayed decisions, and a lack of human resource planning are some of the major reasons why role ambiguity has been on the increase in contemporary work environments. The employees have been forced to remain in a state of constant guessing, which has impaired their concentration on work roles.

The mental toll of “waiting to know”

The lack of knowledge of what is expected of them creates a psychological strain, since they will be in a state of constant waiting to know what is expected of them. This feeling of waiting to know, as discussed above, can be quite exhausting.

According to research on PubMed, when an employee is exposed to a stressful work environment, such as role ambiguity, they will be more stressed if they also experience job insecurity, as they will not only be unsure of what is expected of them, but they will also be unsure of their future in the company.

Emotional exhaustion and reduced motivation

The most immediate effect of role ambiguity is emotional exhaustion, which is a general state of mental exhaustion and depleted emotional well-being. Employees who are constantly attempting to clarify their roles will inevitably become exhausted, as they will spend more time attempting to figure out their roles than actually doing their job.

According to a study published in PubMed, emotional exhaustion will result in a decrease in motivation levels and a sense of personal accomplishment, as employees are not provided with clear feedback mechanisms based on their goal accomplishment.

This will ultimately result in frustration and job dissatisfaction, as employees will not feel their efforts are aligned with any outcome.

Feeling disconnected from work

If employees do not understand their role, they may start to feel disconnected from their work and the organization’s purpose. Work alienation is the term used to describe this feeling of being disconnected. It is the feeling of being disconnected from the meaning and belongingness of one’s work.

A study published in BMC Psychiatry states the following about role ambiguity: "Role ambiguity can cause employees to feel disconnected from the organization. It can be difficult for them to understand the larger picture and how their work is important to the organization."

When stress turns into burnout

In cases where role ambiguity persists for a very long time without being resolved, it can cause burnout. Burnout is a more serious state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Burnout occurs when employees are subjected to stress without the required clarity to handle the situation in the most effective way.

Studies cited on PubMed have indicated that burnout can cause absenteeism, poor quality of work, and turnover. Thus, it is a serious concern for both the employee and the employer. The lack of clear role definitions acts as a major factor in this case because it does not allow the individual to achieve stability in the work environment.

Why does it affect everything else at work

Role ambiguity does not occur in isolation, and other sources of workplace stress, like a heavy workload, lack of support, or poor relationships, often go hand in hand with role ambiguity. This means that for an employee who already has a heavy workload, role ambiguity can make an already difficult situation even more difficult.

The study published in PubMed indicates that role ambiguity, in conjunction with other sources of workplace stress, can lead to an increase in psychological strain, which can have negative effects on individual and organizational performance. The employees might feel overwhelmed, and the team might not work efficiently.

A small message with a big impact

While an HR statement about an undesignated role may appear to be a simple statement, research indicates that such a statement actually reflects a complex problem in the workplace that could have a significant effect on the mental health of employees. The role of clear communication and defined roles is not only a practical tool but a key factor for the health of employees.

By recognizing the significance of role ambiguity, it is possible to appreciate why clear communication is so important in the workplace, because it helps employees feel secure and connected to what they are doing every day.