The Invisible Labor No One Talks About At Work

Years ago, I was clueless about how much labor others were doing around me, not just to communicate efficiently, but to cope with my poor communication skills.
I made assumptions. I overshared personal problems at work. I didn’t leave space. I missed subtle - and not-so-subtle - cues.

And some people, especially the more emotionally intelligent or accommodating ones, picked up the slack.
They softened their tone. Adjusted their pace. Worked hard to keep things smooth with me.

That’s invisible labor in communication:
The behind-the-scenes effort some people carry to manage relational tension, attune to others, or protect the connection.
We talk more about it in personal relationships, but it exists at work, too.

It often goes unseen, unthanked, and unshared.

You’ll see it in the colleague who bridges misunderstandings so the team doesn’t fracture.
The employee who lightens the mood when a leader gets sharp.
The team member who cushions another’s words when they interrupt or steamroll, because they care more about preserving the relationship than correcting them.

Over time, this labor adds up.
It can lead to resentment, burnout, or quiet withdrawal.

And it’s not just “emotional people” who carry it.
Often, it’s the most relationally intelligent ones - the people who notice everything - who quietly hold things together.

If you’ve benefited from this labor (like I have), one of the most respectful things you can do is notice it. Maybe even thank the person.

Then:
Slow down.
Make space.
Check in.
Take more responsibility for the relationships, not just the outcomes.

Because communication isn’t a solo performance.
It’s a co-created experience, even at work.

What invisible labor is happening around you, and how can you help carry the load?