Being able to express oneself freely without revealing one’s identity can offer a sense of security for employees. This is why anonymous chat functions have become increasingly common in employee surveys and feedback tools. At the same time, the feature raises questions about accountability, interpretation, and organisational culture. Is it a way to promote openness – or a potential barrier to long-term trust?
Advantages of an Anonymous Chat Function
Lower threshold for speaking up
Anonymity lowers the barrier to sharing thoughts and experiences – especially for employees who are new, uncertain, or afraid of being judged. It can ensure that voices that might otherwise remain silent are heard.
Ability to raise sensitive issues
Some topics are difficult to address openly – such as perceived injustices or poor leadership. An anonymous chat function creates space to bring up issues that might otherwise be brushed under the rug.
Honest and spontaneous feedback
When no one knows who’s writing, people are less likely to self-censor. This can result in more direct and honest feedback, providing valuable insights into the organisation’s real challenges.
A clear signal of willingness to listen
Offering an anonymous channel signals that the organisation is prepared to listen – even when the message is uncomfortable. It can strengthen the sense that every voice matters, regardless of position or relationship to management.
Disadvantages of an Anonymous Chat Function
Psychological safety can’t be built through anonymity
A culture where people feel safe to speak their mind requires practice, relationships, and trust – not just communication channels. Anonymous feedback misses the opportunity to build courage, accountability, and trust within teams. Psychological safety grows when people learn to talk with each other, not about each other.
High demands on managers
Handling anonymous feedback can be a burden for managers. It requires interpreting and responding without knowing who is behind the message, which can be challenging. There is also a risk that messages are sent outside working hours, potentially making managers feel pressured to be available around the clock.
Anonymity can be compromised
Despite technical anonymity, language, tone or word choices can sometimes reveal the sender – especially in smaller teams. This can create uncertainty among employees and undermine trust in the function.
Distorted overall picture
Often, it’s a small proportion of employees who choose to use anonymous channels – not uncommonly, the most dissatisfied ones. As a result, the feedback may present an overly negative image that does not reflect the majority view.
👉 An anonymous chat function is neither a universal solution nor risk-free – but it can serve an important purpose. When used correctly, it helps capture hidden voices and difficult topics. When used poorly, it risks causing misunderstandings, uncertainty, or a culture where responsibility is avoided.
What matters most is to view anonymous feedback as a complement to a broader strategy – one where psychological safety, trust, and openness are built day by day through meetings, conversations, and action.
Does Brilliant offer an anonymous chat function?
No, Brilliant does not offer an anonymous chat function.
Brilliant’s platform is designed to foster open dialogue within organisations. The focus is on building psychological safety and creating a culture where employees feel confident sharing their thoughts directly – both in surveys and in everyday work. Instead of an anonymous chat function, leaders and teams are encouraged to work with continuous feedback, transparency, and follow-up.