According to a new study by ESMT Berlin, employees who serve as intermediaries between coworkers who don’t communicate directly are more prone to burnout and abuse towards co-workers.

The researchers analyzed the psychological impact of sustaining communication with coworkers who face difficulties communicating due to differences in units, regions, time zones, expertise, or conflicting interests.

Although being a broker has benefits such as improved performance and quicker promotions, intermediating between third parties also increases the risk of burnout and abusive behavior. The research, covering three studies with different methodologies and cultural backgrounds, confirmed that communicating with uncooperative coworkers results in burnout and a higher likelihood of abusive behavior.

“Though the benefits of brokering relationships can be consequential, it’s a high-risk, high-reward activity,” the researchers explain. “The increased chances of burnout are detrimental for the broker or the organization, with the likelihood of that employee needing to take time off after a period of high-stress levels. These high-stress levels are likely to cause brokers to take this out on their co-workers, becoming abusive in their role—this is harmful for the wider organization, especially because brokers typically play an important coordination role between groups or departments.”

To prevent broker burnout, the researchers recommend giving them regular chances to step away from their job and recharge their mental energy. Companies should support brokers in taking breaks after brokering and accessing resources that address the stress of brokering.