Why Some People Never Say What They Mean at Work and Why It Quietly Affects Everyone

In many workplaces, people don’t always communicate in a clear manner, especially at times when it is most required. For instance, instead of giving direct answers, people may respond in vague ways or simply avoid giving answers. This is called avoidance coping, whereby people try to reduce stress in life by simply avoiding situations rather than dealing with them in a direct manner.

This behavior, though seemingly harmless at first, is actually causing greater problems in life, as revealed by studies.


As revealed by a study published on PubMed, avoidance coping only causes temporary relief from emotional discomfort, as it leads to unresolved issues that cause stress in life. Experts have revealed that this behavior is not always intentional, as many people in workplaces may not be aware that they are actually avoiding communication.

Why do some employees avoid being direct?

The inability to communicate clearly is often not based on skill level but fear and pressure from one’s own emotions. The employees might be afraid of confrontation and rejection by their co-workers and superiors. As a result, they resort to easier and more convenient ways of communication, such as partial information and avoidance of communication altogether.

A journal published in the Journal of Business and Psychology revealed that personality is also an essential factor in the inability of employees to communicate clearly. Employees who exhibit a more neurotic personality, which is characterized by anxiety and sensitivity, are more likely to exhibit avoidance of communication. These people might view communication as risky, even if it is essential in ensuring teamwork in the organization.

Experts revealed that such behavior results in a disconnect between intention and effect, in which the person is trying to protect themselves but ends up confusing others.

When the communication is not clear, it is difficult for the team to function well. The tasks are delayed, and the team members do not get the clear information they need. In the long run, the team members may begin to mistrust each other.

The same study by PubMed indicates that when the communication is not clear, it results in emotional exhaustion for the team members.

The emotional exhaustion is not only experienced by the team member who is avoiding the communication, but also by the team members who need the information. The team members may become frustrated because they do not get the clear information they need to perform well.

The link between silence and workplace gossip

One of the unexpected consequences of poor communication is the rise of gossip in the workplace. This is because when people do not receive information in an honest and transparent manner, they will often make their own attempts to fill in the blanks, which may not be entirely accurate.

According to a study done by the journal BMC Psychology, when there is a lack of transparency in the workplace, gossiping is likely to ensue, which in turn makes people more anxious and less trusting of each other. The researchers explain that when people are uncertain, they are more likely to look to unofficial sources of information, which is detrimental to the workplace culture.

Ultimately, people become more reluctant to talk openly, which in turn continues the vicious cycle of avoidance. Not communicating directly can also be interpreted as impolite or condescending, even if that was never the intention. For instance, if an employee receives vague or indirect responses, they can feel unappreciated, which can affect their level of motivation.

According to research conducted by Frontiers in Psychology, unclear communication can be perceived as incivility in the workplace. The research states that if an employee feels disrespected, they are less likely to remain engaged with their work.

When they are constantly surrounded by ambiguity, they start to withdraw. Instead of asking questions or voicing their concerns, they might decide to remain silent to avoid any form of frustration or conflict.

The cycle that keeps repeating

Avoidance in communication is often a cycle that is difficult to escape. Vague communications result in misunderstandings and stress, which in turn create avoidance. This cycle eventually leads to workplace culture.

As discussed in the PubMed research, this cycle leads to emotional exhaustion and reduces productivity, making it difficult for companies to achieve a healthy work environment.

Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards making a change. Experts recommend that by understanding the signs of avoidance, it is possible for workplaces to address issues in communications and create a healthy and supportive work environment.

What are your thoughts on it?