Research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School highlights how minor slights at work can lead to serious declines in employee productivity. The study indicates that when managers neglect to acknowledge important personal milestones like birthdays, it can result in a shocking 50% increase in absenteeism and a loss of more than two working hours per month per employee.
These findings stem from an examination of a national retail chain where managers are expected to personally deliver birthday cards and small gifts to employees. The research, led by Professor Peter Cappelli alongside colleagues Liat Eldor and Michal Hodor, reveals that missing these small gestures leads to employees taking more sick leave and adjusting their work hours, as a form of retaliation.
Impact of Minor Infractions on Employee Morale
The study, titled “The Lower Boundary of Workplace Mistreatment: Do Small Slights Matter?”, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. While the academic community has focused on severe mistreatment, this research brings attention to the consequences of minor disrespect. According to Cappelli, “Insults are about a lack of respect, and that’s what this is really all about.”
Using a retail chain with 252 stores, the authors observed that when managers delivered birthday greetings within a five-day window of an employee’s birthday, productivity remained stable. However, any delays beyond that timeframe were linked to noticeable declines in workplace performance. Once employees received their gifts, absenteeism levels returned to normal.
Cappelli emphasizes the unexpected impact of what might seem trivial to managers. “This is pretty trivial, but it’s still a problem,” he stated, highlighting how even small oversights can significantly affect job performance.
Lessons on Managerial Perspective
The research team also gathered insights from managers regarding their reasons for failing to deliver gifts on time. The delays were not intentional; managers cited operational priorities as the primary reason for their oversight. Both managers and human resources staff recognized that punishing employees through neglecting small gestures was inappropriate.
Cappelli noted that the findings serve as a crucial lesson in perspective-taking for managers. “The employers were surprised because they didn’t do it on purpose. But from the employee’s perspective, they were like, ‘All you had to do was hand me the card,'” he explained. This illustrates a disconnect between managerial intentions and employee perceptions.
While the study acknowledges that managers are not solely responsible for workplace mistreatment, it underscores the importance of interpersonal skills. Recognizing personal milestones—birthdays, graduations, or other significant life events—helps create an environment where employees feel valued beyond their roles. Cappelli stated, “I think it is about personal relationships. Giving somebody a birthday card and getting it to them on time is good manners. And manners matter.”
In conclusion, the findings from this research emphasize that workplace culture is shaped not only by formal policies but also by the small, everyday interactions that contribute to an employee’s sense of belonging and respect. Addressing these minor slights can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce.