In a world that often equates professionalism with unwavering positivity, a troubling workplace trend has emerged — pleasanteeism. This phenomenon, which pushes employees to mask their stress, anxiety, or low mood behind forced cheerfulness, is silently spreading across industries.
Initially coined by Shaun Williams, CEO of Lime Global, in 2021, pleasanteeism is a continuation of the outdated culture of presenteeism, where employees felt the need to physically show up at work despite being unwell. As businesses navigate post-pandemic dynamics and hybrid work models, understanding and addressing pleasanteeism has become more critical than ever.
What Is Pleasanteeism And Why Is It Problematic?
Pleasanteeism, as defined by Williams, is the compulsion to “display our best self and show that we are OK regardless of whether we’re stressed, under too much pressure, or in need of support.” Unlike professionalism, which empowers employees to balance emotions while adhering to workplace norms, pleasanteeism demands emotional suppression, often at the cost of well-being.
A Lime Global survey found that 75% of U.K. workers admitted to “putting on a brave face” at work in February 2022, a significant jump from 51% in May 2021. Such trends highlight how financial pressures, job insecurities, and societal expectations are pushing employees to prioritise a facade of happiness over authenticity. Experts warn that this emotional labor can lead to burnout, emotional dissonance, and chronic stress, creating a ripple effect on individual and organisational health.
The Cost Of Forced Cheerfulness
Suppressing genuine emotions at work may seem like a harmless coping mechanism, but it has far-reaching consequences. Burnout prevention coach Gaby Grzywacz points out, “Hiding feelings impacts our mental health, affecting self-esteem and causing anxiety and depression. Physically, it can lead to higher blood pressure and memory problems.” This emotional dissonance — a conflict between inner feelings and outward behavior — disrupts emotional balance and exacerbates stress.
“Pleasanteeism,” the act of masking one’s true feelings at work to maintain a facade of positivity, is deeply intertwined with the loneliness and burnout epidemic in Indian workplaces. Employees often feel pressured to appear cheerful and untroubled, even when overwhelmed by stress or personal struggles. This behavior stems from cultural norms that discourage openly discussing mental health and the fear of being perceived as weak or incompetent.
In India, where hierarchies and collectivist values dominate, pleasanteeism becomes a survival tactic to navigate demanding bosses or colleagues. It creates a vicious cycle: employees suppress their emotions, leading to increased stress, feelings of isolation, and eventually burnout.
As Lalitha M. Shetty, VP-HR at Omega Healthcare, explains, this trend is particularly prominent in customer-facing roles, where positivity is often prioritised over authenticity. Over time, employees facing pleasanteeism feel disconnected and overwhelmed, which diminishes motivation, creativity, and resilience.
Why Do Employees Feel Pressured To Fake Positivity?
Fear of judgment and organisational culture are primary drivers of pleasanteeism. “The fear of being judged or, worse, punished for being honest about mental health, keeps employees silent,” says Mike Jones, founder of Better Happy. Societal norms that equate professionalism with emotional stoicism further amplify this pressure.
From an early age, people are taught to suppress their emotions. Grzywacz reflects, “We’re taught to hide our feelings, to stop crying or being angry, and we carry these lessons into the workplace.” This stigma around mental health fosters a culture where employees feel compelled to deliver “positive vibes” even during personal or professional struggles, leading to disengagement and emotional exhaustion.
The Indian workplace, known for its vibrant chai breaks and relentless WhatsApp group notifications, hides a darker narrative of burnout and loneliness. Recent statistics highlight this growing concern: a 2023 Deloitte survey found that 91% of Indian professionals experience burnout symptoms, while a LinkedIn study revealed that 40% feel lonely despite being surrounded by colleagues.
Mental health concerns are on the rise, with 46% of employees citing workplace stress as a significant issue, and women face even greater challenges, with 65% reporting heightened stress due to juggling professional and domestic roles. India’s unique workplace culture thrives on connections but often fosters environments where individual well-being takes a backseat. The “9 to 9” work culture, perfectionist bosses, and societal expectations like “log kya kahenge” exacerbate the problem, leaving employees overworked, undervalued, and battling isolation.
Read More: Gentle Term “Feedforward” Trends As Employees Consider “Feedback” Harsh
The Role Of Leaders In Combating Pleasanteeism
Leadership can make or break workplace culture. To combat pleasanteeism, organisations must cultivate psychological safety — a space where employees can express themselves without fear of judgment. Shetty suggests that leaders model authenticity by being open about their challenges. “Regular one-on-one meetings, team check-ins, and anonymous feedback channels can create safe spaces for employees to express themselves,” she said.
Training in emotional intelligence is another vital step. Parag Mehra, CHRO at Guardian India, emphasises the need for leaders to recognise emotional suppression and foster environments where mental health conversations are normalised. Leaders should also prioritise active listening and empathetic responses to validate employee concerns and build trust.
Practical Steps For Organisations And Employees
Organisations need to invest in both systemic and cultural changes to tackle pleasanteeism effectively. Joanna Swash, group CEO at Moneypenny, advocates for initiatives like 24-hour confidential helplines and wellness programs. “We believe what goes around comes around. Communicating well with employees ensures they feel valued and supported,” she says.
For employees, setting healthy boundaries and seeking peer or HR support can help navigate emotions constructively. Grzywacz advice starting small, such as increasing non-work-related conversations with teammates. She also emphasises the importance of rest, stating, “If you think you don’t have time for a break, you should have two.”
Building A Future Of Authentic Workplaces
Pleasanteeism thrives in cultures that prioritise productivity over people, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Organizations must create environments where authenticity and mental well-being are celebrated, not stigmatised. As Shefali Sharma Garg, VP-People Success at Publicis Sapient, puts it, “Cultivating spaces for open, real conversations ensures employees feel heard and supported.”
The lack of genuine workplace connections further amplifies loneliness, as conversations stay superficial, and authentic support systems fail to develop. While the chai break banter might seem lively, pleasanteeism often ensures that deeper struggles remain hidden, making it harder for individuals to seek help or find relief.
By empowering employees to be their true selves and providing leaders with tools to model vulnerability, businesses can dismantle the culture of forced positivity. After all, a workplace built on trust and openness is not just healthier but also more productive. It’s time to embrace authenticity and acknowledge that it’s OK not to be OK — because only then can we truly thrive.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Guardian
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: workplace loneliness, employee burnout, pleasanteeism, mental health awareness, Indian workplaces, work stress, corporate culture, employee well-being, workplace mental health, stress management, work-life balance, workplace relationships, emotional health, Indian work culture, mental health India, employee support, workplace isolation, burnout prevention, workplace connections
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
Other Recommendations:
This New Work Trend Might Make Your Coworkers Dislike You, Reveals Study
