Feeling Drained by Work? Sami Clarke and Sami Spalter Say Your Environment Might Be the Problem

Work shouldn’t be something you just survive until Friday. It’s a real part of your life. You spend too many hours working to treat feeling respected, encouraged, and supported like some kind of bonus perk.

Spalter says, “You deserve to be in an environment where people are uplifting you and making you feel like your best self.” It’s bigger than having nice coworkers or a fun office vibe. They’re talking about the kind of culture that lets people speak up, contribute ideas, and feel valued without constantly second-guessing themselves. That kind of environment can change how someone performs, how they communicate, and how they see themselves professionally.

It also hits because so many people have been taught to expect the opposite. A lot of workers have been conditioned to think stress, and poor communication are just part of being ambitious. Feeling good at your workplace should be the standard. And if it consistently makes you feel smaller and more drained than you need to be, that’s not something to brush off. That’s information.

Work relationships matter more than people admit

Work is still a relationship. Clarke and Spalter argue that many people try to treat work like it’s purely transactional when in reality it’s deeply personal. “I think we exclude work to not be a relational thing,” Clarke notes.

But when you think about how much time people spend working, the dynamic between coworkers and managers matters a lot. A healthy culture can make someone feel energized and confident, while a toxic one can slowly chip away at motivation and self-worth. The Samis suggest looking at your work relationships with the same level of awareness you’d bring to friendships or romantic partnerships. If the energy feels off, there’s usually a reason.

Communication that actually feels human

Sometimes it’s strange how corporate communication has become. Somewhere along the way, professionalism started meaning stiff, emotionless messaging that strips personality out of conversations.

Spalter shares one simple rule she gives new hires: “We don’t email as if we’re a robot.” It reflects a larger belief about workplace culture. When people feel comfortable showing personality and enthusiasm, communication becomes clearer and more collaborative. It also removes that weird barrier where everyone is pretending to be overly formal instead of just talking like normal people trying to get work done together.

Protecting your energy in difficult work environments

Of course, not every workplace is healthy, and the Samis acknowledge that. When dealing with difficult coworkers or toxic leadership, they stress the importance of managing your own reaction.

Instead of escalating situations or mirroring negative behavior, Clarke encourages people to focus on their response. “How can you be more responsive rather than reactive?” she asks. You may not be able to change the people around you, but you can decide how much energy you give to their behavior.

The best leaders create space for other voices

Leadership also gets a close look in this conversation. Clarke and Spalter argue that strong teams don’t come from one loud voice directing everything. Instead, the best leaders create space for ideas and encourage people to contribute. Spalter explains that “the difference of opinion is actually where magic happens. That’s the messy middle, that’s where you have big conversations to make important decisions.”

That openness can completely transform a team dynamic, similar to the tone of your emails. When people feel comfortable sharing ideas or questioning a strategy, collaboration improves and creativity grows. It also signals something important to employees: their perspective actually matters.

Why putting yourself out there still matters

The reality is that many people are waiting quietly for the “right” moment instead of going after what they want. If someone dreams of working for a company they admire or joining a team with a strong culture, Clarke and Spalter say the first step is simple: put yourself out there. Their advice is refreshingly direct. “Shoot your shot, baby.”

They point to real examples from their own company where employees were originally just enthusiastic members of the community who kept showing up, supporting the brand, and making their interest known. 

It’s also a reminder that career paths don’t always follow a neat application process. Sometimes the people who end up in the right roles are the ones who were willing to speak up, send the message, attend the event, or simply show genuine excitement for the work being done. In a professional world that often feels overly calculated, the Samis make a case for something simpler: enthusiasm, authenticity, and a little boldness can go a long way.

To hear Spalter and Clarke’s full discussion on workplace culture, listen to Transform wherever you get your podcasts.

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