The push to be ‘on’ at work may take a toll on mental health

Oxford, MS — The effort of projecting an image of strength while contending with work deadlines and rude behavior may “threaten” workers’ mental health and lead to emotional exhaustion, according to a recent study out of the University of Mississippi.

Researchers Kash Afshar from Ole Miss and Omar Itani from Lebanese American University looked at previous research and the results of an online survey of business-to-business sales representatives.

They found that two attributes common in B2B work can compromise employee mental health: emotional labor (managing emotions to meet the expectations of a job or social role) and customer injustice (when a customer treats a salesperson poorly).

“We are limited in terms of the resources that we have, both cognitive resources and emotional resources,” Afshar said in a press release. “That emotional regulation spends a lot of resources, which leads to job dissatisfaction and emotional burnout.”

The researchers say mindfulness exercises can help workers separate themselves from situations to prevent emotional burnout and mental strain on the job. Additionally, supervisors can help workers by offering support and open communication.

“A supportive work environment with mental health resources, autonomy and regular check-ins is essential,” Itani said. “Enhancing emotional intelligence through training helps employees manage emotions effectively, fostering authentic interactions.”

Added Afshar: “When employees can communicate their problems, they aren’t dealing with problems alone. When they feel safe talking to their managers, their colleagues, it tends to remove some of that burden.”

The study was published in the journal Industrial Marketing Management.