GoKawiilStudy Links Workplace Ostracism to Lower Productivity, Even With High Engagement
New research finds that 71% of workers report feeling ostracized at work, meaning ignored or excluded by colleagues or managers. The study found this exclusion consistently hurts job performance and stifles creativity, regardless of how engaged employees otherwise feel.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The finding challenges a common assumption that boosting employee engagement programs can offset interpersonal problems in the workplace. It suggests companies need to address social dynamics and inclusion directly, rather than relying on engagement initiatives alone to sustain productivity.
- 71% of workers report experiencing workplace ostracism.
- Ostracism reduces both job performance and creativity.
- Standard employee engagement efforts may not counteract these effects.
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle — This bestseller digs into how the strongest teams build belonging signals so no one feels invisible—exactly the ostracism problem the study highlights. It's packed with concrete stories and practices managers can put to work right away to make inclusion the default rather than an engagement slogan.
See The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-09-02
Published there as: “Workers who feel ostracized at work are less productive, study shows”
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