Pleasanteeism: The Cost Of Fake Smiles And Forced Engagement In The Modern Workplace

As workplaces continue to evolve, addressing pleasanteeism becomes crucial for maintaining both individual well-being and organizational success.

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In the modern workplace culture, a concerning phenomenon has emerged: "pleasanteeism," where employees feel compelled to project an artificially positive demeanor regardless of their authentic emotional state. 

This trend, distinct from traditional workplace pleasantries, represents a more insidious form of emotional labor that merits careful examination. Dr Chandni Tugnait,  Life Alchemist, Coach & Healer, Founder & Director, Gateway of Healing shares her insights on Pleasenteeism 

The psychological impact 
Recent workplace behavioral studies indicate that pleasanteeism manifests as a response to implicit organizational pressures and the rise of "culture-first" workplace philosophies. Employees increasingly report feeling obligated to engage in forced enthusiasm during team meetings, maintain constant virtual availability, and participate in social activities despite personal or professional stressors. The psychological impact extends beyond mere discomfort. Maintaining a perpetual façade of positivity leads to emotional exhaustion, reduced productivity, and increased risk of burnout. When workers feel compelled to suppress their authentic emotions, it creates a cognitive dissonance that requires significant mental energy to maintain.

Financial implications for organizations 
The financial repercussions for organizations are equally concerning. Companies experiencing high levels of pleasanteeism often report increased turnover rates, as employees seek environments where they can express themselves more genuinely. Additionally, the energy expended on maintaining artificial positivity frequently detracts from actual productive work.

The digital amplification
This trend has been particularly exacerbated by the hybrid work model, where video calls and digital communications demand more explicit demonstrations of engagement and enthusiasm. Workers report feeling pressured to appear visibly upbeat during virtual meetings, even when dealing with personal challenges or work-related stress.

Moving toward authentic expression 
The solution isn't simply to abandon workplace positivity altogether. Instead, organizations need to cultivate authentic emotional expression while maintaining professional standards. This balance requires a fundamental shift in workplace culture, moving away from enforced cheerfulness toward emotional intelligence and genuine human connection.

Progressive solutions 
Forward-thinking organizations are implementing more nuanced approaches to workplace well-being, including designated "pressure-free" zones where employees can work without the expectation of social engagement. Additionally, modern management practices now emphasize recognizing and respecting diverse emotional expressions while maintaining productivity. Flexible communication policies that allow for varying levels of social interaction based on individual preferences and work requirements are becoming increasingly common.

Future implications 
Looking ahead, workplace culture analysis suggests that the backlash against pleasanteeism could lead to more authentic workplace interactions. This shift would prioritize genuine professional relationships over superficial positivity, potentially resulting in more sustainable and psychologically healthy work environments.

The challenge lies in fostering an environment where professionalism coexists with authentic emotional expression, creating spaces where employees can bring their whole selves to work without the burden of forced positivity. Organizations must recognize that sustainable success stems from genuine human connections rather than manufactured cheerfulness. By prioritizing authentic workplace interactions, companies can create resilient cultures that support both emotional well-being and professional excellence. The future of work demands a delicate balance between maintaining professional standards and allowing for genuine emotional expression, ultimately leading to more sustainable and psychologically healthy work environments.