Pleasanteeism: A New Workplace Trend
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17 December 2024
'Pleasanteeism', a relatively new term, refers to the phenomenon where employees feel the need to appear positive, cheerful, and happy, even when they are struggling or feeling stressed
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Pleasanteeism is a combination of 'pleasant' and 'presenteeism,' highlights the growing trend of employees hiding their true emotions and feelings to maintain a facade of pleasantness and conformity in the workplace
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This behaviour often stems from workplace culture, societal expectations, or personal pressure to maintain a positive image and not let others see their difficulties
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Employees practicing pleasanteeism may mask their true emotions, such as exhaustion, anxiety, or burnout, and instead project an outward appearance of enthusiasm and optimism
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While this can help maintain a positive work environment on the surface, it can also create hidden challenges
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Over time, suppressing real emotions can lead to mental health issues, decreased productivity, and a lack of genuine communication among team members
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Pleasanteeism often thrives in workplaces where there is a stigma around discussing mental health or where employees feel they must always "put on a brave face" to meet expectations
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Fear of judgment and organisational culture are also significant contributors to pleasanteeism
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Rather than eliminating workplace positivity entirely, organisations should strive to foster authentic emotional expression
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This requires a cultural transformation, shifting from enforced positivity to emotional intelligence and genuine human connection
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