In many work environments across the United States, managers often encourage employees with phrases like 'just a little more effort.' However, this seemingly benign encouragement can lead to increased stress and dissatisfaction among workers. Research from Occupational Medicine indicates that such statements may imply that current efforts are inadequate, causing employees to feel unappreciated. The disconnect between managers and employees stems from differing perceptions of effort and recognition; while managers may see their requests as supportive, employees often interpret them as pressure. Furthermore, the concept of perceptual adaptation can lead managers to normalize increased workloads, making them less aware of employee strain. This gap contributes to a vicious cycle of effort-reward imbalance, where employees feel their hard work goes unrecognized, leading to demotivation and burnout. Psychological safety is crucial in this context, as employees are more likely to voice concerns when they feel secure. Ultimately, fostering an environment with clear expectations and appreciation for hard work can help mitigate the negative impacts of such motivational phrases.