At work, do not force yourself to smile

OFFICE OF LIFE - A U.S. study highlights the adverse effects of hypocritical expressions on health and productivity of employees.
You got the left foot, but seek to hide your feelings behind a mask of good humor? You do not pass necessarily the right strategy. According to the findings of a study published in the Academy of Management Journal, forced smiles are harmful to the health of people interested, as well as their productivity.
This survey of bus drivers shows that those who are forced to be friendly mood gradually deteriorate at the same time they tend to divest themselves of their task. It confirms the findings of previous studies conducted on the subject. "Employees who express their true feelings enjoy better health, have a sense of personal achievement are stronger and more committed to their work," said the Canadian researcher Ursula Hess in a study published in 2003.
"All the emotions have a functional role. They are used to optimize the well-being of the body to regulate it, "says Christopher Haag, professor of human resources at EM Lyon and author of Generation QE (for" emotional quotient "). An employee who denies his emotions express themselves liable to see another way: insomnia, backache, lack of concentration ... As an athlete, an employee must be in tune with his body and act to remedy what disturbs him. "
Play a role as an actor
In some occupations that are highly exposed to the public bus driver, sales, cashier, ... -, individuals are more than others led to deal with their emotions. A vendor is summoned to be friendly with customers, a steward or stewardess to show calm and serenity in spite of turbulence, a doctor to show empathy if he announces a bad news ...
"These occupations require knowledge to play a role, just as a player. The employee must be aware of and train there. Although control his emotions remains an emotionally exhausting, "says Christophe Haag. To avoid curling the burn-out, only one solution: to know and take breaks when psychological fatigue is felt.
"The open space is a kill l'émotion"
In general, the emotion remains a precious commodity in the business, more and more popular with managers. If the enthusiasm and joy are obviously challenging, some negative emotions considered, such as anger, also possess certain virtues. In his latest book, Little Chief or real boss, Robert Sutton, Stanford professor, said that "a few strokes of reds episodic create the impression that he who speaks knows whereof he speaks."
But curiously, even though many managers advocate a sensible use of emotion in the workplace, the proliferation of open spaces on the contrary tends to banish! "The open plan, adopted by nearly 60% of large and medium-sized businesses, is a true" kill l'émotion. He created artificial behaviors, attitudes facade, "said Christophe Haag. The company recognizes the need to let people express themselves, but have the structures that would prevent that. Interesting paradox.