Emotional labor is defined as "the management of feelings and expressions to satisfy the emotional needs of others." It can include tasks such as listening actively, expressing concern, maintaining composure, and suppressing one's own emotions to create a positive experience for another person. In the workplace, it often involves providing customer service, managing difficult situations, or navigating office politics.
This type of labor also occurs in personal relationships, particularly when balancing intimacy and professionalism.
The concept of emotional labor was originally introduced by sociologist Arlie Hochschild in her book The Managed Heart: Commercialization of Human Feeling (1983), which explored how flight attendants were expected to manage their emotions while interacting with passengers. Since then, scholars have expanded the idea to other occupations and contexts, including healthcare workers and teachers. But it has also been applied to romantic partnerships, where individuals may be asked to perform emotional labor without receiving adequate support or recognition.
In these relationships, people are constantly negotiating boundaries between intimate and professional behavior. They must navigate different expectations, roles, and power dynamics. This can be exhausting and lead to burnout if they feel overwhelmed or unsupported. Emotional labor requires individuals to regulate their emotions, suppress their authentic selves, and hide certain aspects of who they are. This can be especially challenging in relationships that are both romantic and professional, as there may be confusion about what is appropriate to share and when.
Consider a therapist who sees a client outside of session hours but needs to keep personal and professional boundaries separate. They may have to avoid discussing personal matters, even though doing so would make them feel more connected and supported. This creates an emotional strain that can contribute to burnout. Alternatively, consider a boss-employee relationship where one person feels emotionally invested in the other's success and wellbeing. This may require managing intense feelings of pride, anxiety, guilt, and responsibility that can lead to burnout.
To reduce burnout related to emotional labor, individuals can practice self-care, set clear boundaries, seek support from others, and prioritize communication with their partner(s). They can also work on developing a strong sense of self-awareness and recognizing when they need to take breaks or step back from emotional labor. By acknowledging the complexities of balancing intimacy and professionalism, we can create healthier and more sustainable workplaces and relationships.
How does the emotional labor involved in balancing intimacy and professionalism contribute to burnout?
The emotional labor required to maintain healthy boundaries between intimate relationships and professional ones can take a significant toll on individuals, leading to feelings of fatigue, exhaustion, and burnout. This is because it requires constant effort and conscious thought to balance these two distinct spheres of one's life. It can be particularly difficult for those who are highly invested in their careers and/or have strong personal connections with colleagues or clients.