Workplace "Talent Hushing" Risks Productivity, Warning Issued
Business psychology firm Pearn Kandola warns of "talent hushing," a phenomenon where employees withhold ideas due to perceived unsafety, potentially impacting productivity. The issue is highlighted during Psychological Safety Week.
Business psychology consultancy Pearn Kandola has raised concerns about employees remaining silent at work, a phenomenon they term "Talent Hushing." The week of September 21-25, 2026, is dedicated to promoting psychological safety in the workplace, aiming to address how employees hold back ideas, questions, and concerns because they do not feel safe or believe their contributions will be heard.
New research from Pearn Kandola indicates that 43% of UK employees report contributing less than they are capable of due to their workplace experiences. The firm suggests this silence could represent a significant national productivity issue, overshadowed by more discussed topics like burnout or engagement.
Psychological Safety Week convenes employers, people leaders, and business psychologists to examine why individuals self-censor and to explore how organizations can foster environments where speaking up with ideas and concerns is safe and encouraged. The initiative offers free webinars and resources to aid this process.
In an era of economic pressure and rapid change, organizations rely heavily on employees flagging risks, challenging assumptions, and proposing new ideas. However, if individuals do not believe their voices will be welcomed or impactful, many will opt for silence, leading to missed opportunities and potential productivity loss. The aim of Psychological Safety Week is to help organizations identify these dynamics and build safer, more effective work cultures.