Michael Saltzstein

    The Emotional Work That Often Goes Unnoticed in Teams with Michael Saltzstein Behind every high-functioning team is a layer of invisible labor , subtle, emotional work that doesn’t appear on performance reviews but is essential to cohesion and morale. Michael Saltzstein brings this often-overlooked topic to the forefront, pointing out how this hidden labor supports productivity, reduces friction and fosters belonging. While formal roles focus on tasks and outputs, emotional labor sustains the human fabric of collaboration.     This labor includes managing tensions, mediating conflicts, remembering birthdays, checking in on mental health, mentoring quietly or stepping in to calm stress during high-stakes moments. It is often performed instinctively and without recognition, particularly by women and people from marginalized backgrounds. Yet its impact is undeniable.     The Cost of Being the Emotional Glue   Invisible labor takes time and energy. Employ...

    Michael Saltzstein Reveals How Silent Workarounds Reveal Deeper Process Failures In many workplaces, broken systems stick around not because no one notices, but because no one feels comfortable speaking up. Instead of raising concerns or challenging inefficient processes, employees often create quiet workarounds just to keep things moving. As Michael Saltzstein points out, these behind-the-scenes fixes aren’t signs of creativity or resilience. They are red flags that something important is missing, which is psychological safety.     A workaround may be as simple as using an unofficial spreadsheet instead of a clunky CRM or copying a coworker’s workflow to avoid dealing with red tape. While these silent fixes keep daily operations from stalling, they also mask inefficiencies and prevent systemic improvement.     Why Employees Stay Silent   The silence surrounding broken processes often stems from fear of being seen as negative, resistant, or difficul...

  Michael Saltzstein on Cognitive Overload at Work Can Lead to Decision Fatigue Modern workplaces are filled with tasks, notifications and decisions that demand constant attention. While this environment may seem like a mark of efficiency, Michael Saltzstein mentions that it often masks a hidden cost: cognitive load and decision fatigue. These two psychological phenomena can silently erode productivity, well-being, and the ability to make sound choices throughout the workday.     Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required to process information and complete tasks. When this load becomes excessive, it overwhelms an employee’s ability to think clearly and retain important details . Combine this with the endless decisions many workers must make each day, from responding to emails to prioritizing meetings , and you have a recipe for burnout and poor judgment.     Decision Fatigue Builds Quietly   The average adult makes thousands of decisions dai...