In times when staffing gaps widen and workloads grow heavier, many lab managers find themselves relying on team members to take on extra responsibilities. But when these tasks fall outside the scope of an employee’s role—or seem unnecessary—they can take a surprising toll on mental well-being.
New research, published in Work & Stress, highlights how employee appreciation in workplaces, such as laboratories, can help workers cope with so-called “illegitimate tasks.” The study, conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA), the University of Cyprus, and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, provides practical insights for lab leadership strategies aimed at creating healthier and more resilient work environments.
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When task assignments lead to embitterment
The study defines illegitimate tasks as those that employees see as either unreasonable or unnecessary. An unnecessary task could be something perceived as pointless, such as producing a report that no one reads. An unreasonable task might involve asking a senior scientist to undertake administrative duties that are more suitable for junior staff.
“Assigning unreasonable tasks can violate employees' sense of fairness and harm their emotional well-being,” said George Michaelides, professor of work psychology at UEA’s Norwich Business School.
Researchers found that these tasks sparked feelings of embitterment—an emotional response to perceived injustice—on days when employees received less appreciation than usual. This embitterment led to increased rumination during off-hours, making it harder for employees to detach from work and recover from workplace stress.
Appreciation as a protective buffer
The study collected data from 71 employees across various industries, with the majority of participants working in accounting and finance. While the sample size was relatively small, the findings offer useful insight into how appreciation may help buffer the effects of work stress. Over five consecutive workdays, participants reported on the types of tasks they completed, the appreciation they received, and how often they thought about work during personal time.
“Our findings underscore the crucial role of supervisors in minimizing illegitimate tasks and prioritizing core responsibilities,” said Michaelides. “Additionally, fostering a culture of employee appreciation in laboratories and beyond can serve as a protective factor, helping employees cope with workplace stress in research labs and other demanding settings.”
Lead author Evie Michailidis, of the University of Cyprus, added: “Without appreciation, unreasonable tasks foster feelings of embitterment that spill over into private lives, making it harder to mentally disconnect and recover after work.”
Lessons for lab managers
The findings offer several takeaways for lab managers seeking to protect lab team well-being:
- Be mindful of task assignments: Ensure requests align with employees’ roles and expertise, and communicate the purpose behind any unusual assignments to avoid managing unreasonable tasks poorly
- Prioritize peer and supervisor recognition: Encourage teams to regularly acknowledge each other’s contributions, formally and informally, as part of strong lab leadership strategies
- Equip staff to express appreciation: Offer training or resources that help employees give and receive feedback in a meaningful way, supporting psychological safety in labs and preventing burnout in laboratories
In times of staffing challenges, thoughtful task assignments and recognition practices go a long way. This research serves as a reminder: how requests are framed—and how much appreciation employees feel—can make all the difference in protecting lab team well-being.
