The Golem Effect at the Workplace: what it means and its implications

Have you ever noticed how the expectations placed on someone can really shape their performance? That’s the essence of the Golem Effect. It’s essentially the flip side of the Pygmalion Effect, where positive expectations lead to better performance. In contrast, the Golem Effect happens when low expectations lead to poorer performance.

Imagine you are in a workplace where your manager doubts your abilities. As a result, they assign you fewer challenging tasks or micromanage your work. This can create a cycle of self-doubt and underachievement. You may begin to internalize those low expectations, and soon enough, your performance reflects those negative beliefs.

At Samvedna Care, we recognize that understanding and addressing the Golem Effect is vital for fostering a healthy, inclusive, and empowering work environment. By promoting positive expectations and support, we not only enhance performance but also prioritize mental health at the workplace. When employees feel valued and supported, they are better equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.

What is the Golem Effect?

The Golem Effect, derived from social psychology, refers to the negative impact of low expectations on an individual’s performance. When managers, supervisors, or colleagues harbor and communicate low expectations about an employee’s abilities, the employee often internalizes these beliefs, leading to self-doubt and a decline in motivation and performance. Essentially, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, where negative assumptions create the very outcomes they expect.

Key Characteristics

1. Low Expectations: The foundation of the Golem effect is the belief that a person is less capable. This belief can arise from stereotypes, past performance, or perceived lack of potential.
2. Communication Styles: Negative expectations often lead to critical feedback, dismissive body language, or lack of encouragement, which can demoralize employees.
3. Reduced Motivation: Employees who sense that their supervisors have low expectations may become disengaged, leading to a decline in effort and innovation.
4. Cyclical Nature: Poor performance reinforces negative perceptions, creating a vicious cycle where low expectations lead to poor outcomes, further entrenching the Golem effect.

Examples in the Workplace

1. Performance Reviews: An employee consistently receiving lower ratings than their peers may begin to believe they are less capable, leading to decreased effort and performance.
2. Team Dynamics: In a team setting, if certain members are viewed as less competent, they may withdraw from contributing ideas, which can stifle collaboration and creativity.
3. Training and Development: Employees who are not encouraged to take on new challenges may shy away from opportunities for growth, limiting their career advancement.

Implications for Organizations

The Golem effect can have significant implications for workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and overall productivity. Here are some potential consequences:

• Employee Turnover: A workplace that perpetuates low expectations may experience higher turnover rates as employees seek environments where their contributions are recognized and valued.
• Limited Creativity: When employees feel undervalued, they are less likely to propose new ideas or take risks, leading to a stagnation of creativity within teams.
• Diminished Team Morale: Negative perceptions can create divisions within teams, leading to a toxic atmosphere and decreased collaboration.

The Mental Health Impact of the Golem Effect

1. Erosion of self-esteem

Repeated exposure to low expectations can lead employees to question their capabilities. Over time, this can erode their self-esteem, leaving them feeling inadequate or unworthy, even in roles where they previously excelled thus affecting their mental well-being at the workplace. 

2. Increased anxiety

Feeling underestimated can trigger anxiety, particularly if employees feel they are constantly under scrutiny or fear failure. This anxiety can manifest as difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, or even physical symptoms like headaches or insomnia.

3. Demotivation and burnout

When employees believe their efforts won’t be recognized or rewarded, they may lose motivation to perform. This lack of engagement, coupled with persistent stress, can lead to burnout. 

4. Learned helplessness

Low expectations can foster a sense of learned helplessness, where employees feel powerless to change their situation. This can result in passivity, reduced initiative, and a reluctance to take on challenges, further limiting their growth and opportunities.

5. Impact on team dynamics

The Golem Effect doesn’t just harm individuals; it can also affect team morale. Employees who witness colleagues being underestimated may lose trust in leadership, leading to a toxic work environment where everyone feels undervalued.

Strategies to Mitigate the Golem Effect

1. Foster a growth mindset: Encourage a culture that values effort, learning, and improvement. Highlight the potential for development rather than focusing solely on current performance levels.
2. Provide constructive feedback: Offer feedback that emphasizes strengths and areas for growth rather than just criticism. This can help employees feel valued and capable.
3. Set high yet achievable expectations: Establish clear and realistic expectations for all team members, reinforcing the belief that they can succeed.
4. Encourage open communication: Create an environment where employees feel safe discussing challenges and seeking support. Open dialogue can help break down barriers created by low expectations.
5. Recognize and celebrate achievements: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate both small and large accomplishments. Recognition can boost morale and reinforce positive behavior.
6. Train leaders and managers: Leadership training can equip leaders with the tools and knowledge to identify and combat their biases. It can also enhance awareness of the Golem effect and promote more supportive management practices.

Understanding the golem effect is crucial for creating a positive and productive workplace. At Samvedna Care, we recognize that low expectations can significantly impact not only individual performance but also overall team dynamics and mental health at the workplace. By fostering a culture of support, open communication, and recognition, we can combat the negative implications of this effect. Implementing strategies that promote high expectations, constructive feedback, and personal development helps employees feel valued and empowered. Additionally, our mental health therapists are available to provide guidance and support, ensuring that employees have the resources they need to thrive. Ultimately, prioritizing mental health at the workplace is essential for driving engagement, innovation, and satisfaction.