Abstract
This chapter examines how leaders’ use of motivating language influences employees’ psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using survey data from 391 U.S. employees, the findings show that direction-giving and empathetic language significantly enhance employee well-being, with direction-giving communication exerting the strongest effect. Although these two forms of communication also foster trust in leaders, trust itself does not directly predict well-being. In contrast, meaning-making language unexpectedly has a negative effect, suggesting that abstract messaging about vision and values may be less effective during times of crisis when employees prioritize clarity and emotional support.