The Impact of Learned Helplessness in the Workplace

I just learned about a term called Learned helplessness, studied by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier, which describes a state where individuals feel powerless over their circumstances, even when opportunities for change exist. Initially observed in animals, where they were exposed to unavoidable and uncontrollable negative stimuli (e.g., electric shocks), and later applied to humans.

For me most interesting example to consider is an employee who consistently goes above and beyond in their work, yet remains unnoticed by management, receiving neither praise nor constructive feedback. This can lead to feelings of disillusionment and diminished motivation. It is resulting in decreased job satisfaction, lower productivity, and reduced creativity.

Individuals experiencing learned helplessness may suffer from lowered self-esteem and a sense of disengagement from their work.

In workplaces, learned helplessness contributes to a negative atmosphere and hampers overall organizational success. Passive and disengaged employees can create challenges in maintaining a productive and motivated workforce.

Mitigation strategies could be: Establishing recognition and reward systems to acknowledge employee contributions.

1. Establishing recognition and reward systems to acknowledge employee contributions
2. Empowering employees by involving them in decision-making processes ??
3. Providing ongoing training and development opportunities ??
4. Maintaining clear communication channels and offering constructive feedback ??
5. Cultivating supportive leadership styles that prioritize employee well-being ??
6. Promoting a culture of psychological safety where employees feel comfortable taking risks and sharing ideas ??

#Happy Learning