EMOTIONAL LABOR

We have just celebrated Labor Day, that tribute to American workers and their contributions to the welfare of our country. We often think of Labor Day as it recognizes the physical work that people do in the "hard hat" atmosphere in which they do it. Let us also recognize emotional labor which involves the management of emotional expressions as part of one's professional work role. (Workplace Emotional Labor and Diversity Lab.)

Emotional Labor requires much work related to the emotions one feels when giving service to others. It tends to be more interpersonal and we see it in jobs that require "service with a smile". It sometimes requires that the laborers have to use some "acting" to pump themselves up as they labor at things like teaching, flight attending or counseling. This can result in burnout from anxiety and fatigue which often results in reduced helping at home, poor sleep or excessive alcohol use. Emotional laborers have to be trained to step back and reduce stress by using things like mindfulness, relaxation and taking breaks to help reduce the strain ot helping others. Financial rewards, tips and raises can help emotional laborers to feel more satisfied and less strenuous.

On this Labor Day week, let us recognize emotional labor just as much as physical labor so that it does not go unnoticed. (Dr. Alicia Grandey - Weld Lab, Unicersity Park, Pensylvania)


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