# Veiled to Express: Uncovering the Effect of Mask-Wearing on Voice Behavior in the Workplace

## TL;DR

This study shows that wearing masks at work can increase employees' willingness to speak up due to increased psychological safety.

## Contribution

The study reveals a new positive effect of mask-wearing on workplace voice behavior through psychological safety.

## Key findings

- Mask-wearing in the workplace increases psychological safety for employees.
- Increased psychological safety leads to more voice behavior among employees.
- The positive effects of masks extend beyond health benefits to workplace behavior.

## Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, mask-wearing has become a widespread phenomenon. Even after the pandemic, people continue to maintain the habit of wearing masks in their daily lives. While existing research has explored how mask-wearing can influence wearers’ behavior in everyday life, its effects in the workplace have received less attention. Drawing on self-perception theory, this study examined the positive effect of mask-wearing in the workplace on wearers’ voice behavior via psychological safety. An online experiment (N = 291) using a within-subject manipulation of wearing masks supported our hypotheses. This study uncovered the positive psychological and behavioral consequences of mask-wearing beyond its benefits in people’s health conditions and everyday life.