Context: Most software companies strive to have high-performing teams and mitigate withdrawal behaviors like being present but unproductive. In this context, psychological safety and developers’ perceived impact are suggested as potential drivers of voice and silence behaviors. However, understanding these social aspects of software development entails the incorporation of social science theories. Objective: This study aims to empirically explore the relationships among software professionals’ perceived impact, psychological safety, voice and silence behaviors, burnout particularly withdrawal and performance using a theoretical model. Method: A survey questionnaire was conducted, resulting in valid responses from software development teams. Then, we analyzed the responses using structural equation modeling (SEM) and a novel semi-confirmatory SEM. All variables were measured using pre-validated instruments. Results: The findings supported the theoretical model, showing that psychological safety was more related to silence than voice, whereas perceived impact shows a stronger relationship with voice than with silence. Furthermore, silence contributed to higher burnout, whereas voice alleviated it. In contrast, silence showed a negative association with performance, whereas voice was positively associated with it. Conclusions: This study examines the direct effects of perceived impact and psychological safety on voice and silence behaviors. Additionally, it examines the direct effects of these behaviors on burnout and task performance among software professionals. Consequently, the findings offer both theoretical and practical insights.