Our busy lifestyle is full of emotional challenges. In most workplaces, employees are supposed to be happy or friendly, even if they are not feeling the same way. Sometimes people fake their emotions just to have a good impression on their co-workers, especially superiors.
If you are one who is faking his or her emotions at their job, you have to think twice before doing so, to protect their mental well being.
Allison Gabriel, a student from Arizona University leads the research done on more than 2500 workers worldwide states that there are two types of emotional labor at the workplace. One is surface acting and another is deep acting.
Understanding Emotional Labor
It is a way of emotion regulation in which employees control their emotions and feelings at work. If an employee puts a happy face for the excellent reviews, that person needs to regulate his emotions, this is known as emotional labor.
Sometimes it may cause Emotional dissonance, it is a disparity between required and felt emotions.
Surface Acting
‘Surface acting is faking what you’re displaying to other people. Inside, you may be upset or frustrated, but on the outside, you’re trying your best to be pleasant or positive’ – Allison Gabriel.
Deep Acting
‘Deep acting is trying to change how you feel inside. When you’re deep acting, you’re trying to align how you feel with how you interact with other people. ‘- Allison Gabriel
The Consequences of Emotional Labor on Your Well Being
Restricting your true emotions can inflict a series of negative somatic and psychological consequences. Most studies show that these practices can lead to job dissatisfaction, emotional burnout, and depersonalization. So, it becomes vital to express them in the best way.
