Today I want to talk about another topic that I have heard about only recently. I am guessing that most of us have heard about physical labor, but are you familiar with the term “emotional labor”? Although you may not have heard the term before, my guess is that you will be familiar with the concept.
So, what is emotional labor? As usual, the term can have different definitions, but I take a very broad approach to it. Emotional labor can be done anywhere and anytime, and it can involve regulating emotions and performing mental activities related to nurturing and caring. Here are some examples: making appointments for yourself or others, buying and sending gifts or cards, delegating tasks to others, planning outings and trips, arranging care for children or other dependents, and working around the emotions of others. Some examples of jobs that include a lot of emotional labor are flight attendants, hotel desk clerks, secretaries, and child care workers, who are typically expected to put on a smile every day and make sure everyone around them is happy and comfortable.
When it comes to depression and mental illness, you can imagine there is a lot of emotional labor that happens in these settings. Mental illness can disrupt a person’s typical emotions, and caregivers also face a range of emotions. And, while emotional labor has some plusses and can play an important role in caregiving, it is also important to note that just like any other types of labor, it can take a toll on those who perform it. In my mind, a good first step is that no matter the setting, we recognize what emotional labor is and who is doing it. Then we can begin to see how and when this labor can be redistributed or improved for everyone.