Should We Express Emotions at Work?
Introduction
The workplace is traditionally thought of as a place where emotions are not expressed. We are told to be professional and to leave our feelings at the door — but what if this is actually counter-productive? We’ve all seen examples in the workplace where showing emotion has made a difference, either positively or negatively. But does being emotionally open really make a difference when it comes to productivity and job satisfaction?
In this blog post, we will explore the issue of emotion in the workplace and how it can be used to your advantage.
The Different Types of Emotions in the Workplace
The workplace is full of different emotions. From the excitement of a big project to the frustration of a difficult co-worker, emotions are everywhere. And they can have a big impact on our work. So what are the different types of emotions in the workplace, and how can we make them work for us?
· Excitement is one of the most positive emotions we can feel at work. It comes from feeling challenged and motivated by our work.
· Frustration is a normal part of any job. We all have days when everything seems to be going wrong. But if frustration starts to outweigh the good days, it could be time to reassess our situation.
· Anxiety is another common emotion in the workplace. We might feel anxious about an upcoming presentation or meeting, or about meeting deadlines or targets.
The Benefits of Showing Emotion in the Workplace
While it is important to remain professional at work, that doesn’t mean you have to keep your emotions in check all the time. In fact, expressing your emotions at work can actually be beneficial.
For one thing, expressing your emotions can help you build stronger relationships with your co-workers. If you’re able to show your co-workers that you’re happy, sad, angry, or frustrated about something, they’ll be more likely to see you as a human being and not just a colleague. This can make it easier to form bonds and create a more positive work environment.
If you bottle up your emotions, it can be easy to become disengaged and apathetic about your job. But if you’re able to express how you feel, it can help you stay invested in what you’re doing.
Of course, there are also times when it’s best to keep your emotions in check at work. If you’re feeling particularly upset about something, it might be best to wait until you’ve calmed down before discussing it with your co-workers. And if you find yourself getting too emotional about work on a regular basis, it might be worth talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you deal with those feelings in a healthy way.
For one, suppressing emotions can take a toll on mental and physical health. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly two-thirds of workers say they experience work-related stress, which can lead to a host of problems including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and heart disease. Moreover, when we bottle up our emotions, they tend to come out in other ways such as passive-aggressive behavior or outbursts. So while it may seem like keeping our emotions in check is the best option, it may actually do more harm than good.
So while there are certain risks associated with expressing emotion at work, there are also benefits that should not be ignored. When used appropriately, emotion can be a powerful tool for building better relationships, fostering teamwork, and improving our overall well-being.