New data from the mobile-first employee experience platform, Blink, has identified the messages from managers most likely to scare workers in the U.S. by analyzing nationwide and state-level keyword search demand for the most common messages.

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Top 20 Messages Most Likely to Scare Workers in the U.S., Ranked

RankMessageMonthly Search Volume
1can you call me27,100
2can I see you9,900
3can we talk9,900
4don’t worry9,900
5can I ask you something6,600
6I have a question for you4,400
7can I talk to you3,600
8we need to talk3,600
9today is your last day2,900
10can you explain this1,900
11are you available1,600
12can we chat1,300
13I wanted to talk to you1,300
14let’s connect1,000
15please call me880
16I need to talk to you720
17I have a quick question720
18can we have a conversation590
19are you free480
20are you working today480

“Can you call me” is the #1 Scariest Manager Message in America 

“Can you call me” ranks as the #1 scariest message Americans can get from their managers in the U.S., with a total search volume of 27,100. Following closely behind are “can I see you,” “can we talk,” and “don’t worry,” with 9,900 monthly searches, showing how an ambiguous message from a boss can make employees feel anxious and uncertain. Many people end up panicking, not knowing what the message means and worrying about the worst-case scenario.

“Many employees feel anxious as soon as they see a message like ‘Can you call me?’ says Lauren Burns, COO and workplace expert at Blink. “These messages are often vague, which can cause unnecessary stress, especially for frontline workers who may not be able to reply immediately. Leaders should provide context from the start and use workplace communication apps to keep conversations clear and to the point. For instance, a message such as ‘Can we go over tomorrow’s schedule?’ gives employees clarity and helps prevent the fear of bad news.”