The Cost of Emotional Labor
on what emotional labor looks like and ways to take care of yourself
1 Quote
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” —Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter
1 Reflection
Something I tend to do when I am uncomfortable or disagree with something at work is to put on a soft smile. It indicates politeness and disguises what I really feel about the situation. Sometimes this just feels necessary – maybe it's not the right setting for a crucial conversation or maybe it was a misunderstanding that can be resolved simply in an hour or the next day. Sometimes it's for much more significant situations that give reason for high concern – sexual harassment, racial discrimination, mishandling of power, PR management that hurts employees, etc.
Whatever the reason, I'm willing to bet that putting on a smile and swallowing your emotions to keep the peace and avoid bringing personal problems is something familiar to most, if not all people. The problem is that this type of labor, emotional labor, can result in a big cost to your mental health if not addressed.
Emotional labor is a term that was first coined by sociologist Arlie Hochschild in her 1983 book, "The Managed Heart," to describe the work we do to regulate our emotions on the job. This kind of labor includes routine forms of activity or tasks in which you suppress your feelings for the sake of others in order to manage and maintain relationships needed for the sake of a smooth process or environment.
They are a tax of sorts – small, hidden fees that certain people pay in order to keep others happy. Over time, paying this tax will likely lead to unhealthy amounts of stress and potential burnout, which is why it’s crucial that you are able to find and create ways to maintain your mental and emotional capacity.
Keep reading to learn more about emotional labor, including the types you might experience, examples, and how to cope if you’re struggling.
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