Types of emotional labor that everyone (but especially people in management/leadership positions) should participate in:
- General office culture
- Creation of special interest groups: both professional (Let’s Learn a New Language Club) and personal (Knitters Lunch)
- Planning work parties/outings
- Making sure individuals’ dietary restrictions are accounted for
- Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, work anniversaries, baby showers, etc.
- Celebrating project launches
- Knowledge sharing
- Helping new employees feel welcomed and included
- Asking folks to stop saying “guys”
- Having extra tissues, painkillers, antacid tablets, or a snack bar in case of emergencies
- Trying to help solve problems that don’t directly affect you
- Encouraging the use of sick days for “mental health days”