When Showing more Humanity in your Work can be Dangerous
Sociability and empathy come with a price
As automation threatens our job, we might put on our most human face at work.
That means socializing with colleagues, connecting with customers, or bringing surprise and creativity to our work. And for sure, these are good ways to stand out among automated emails and customer service.
However, these behaviors also have an emotional and cognitive cost that we might not neglect. Permanent overwork, exhaustion, and loss of meaning are common risks for recognition-seeking workers.
Here’s how you can show more humanity in your job while maintaining your energy and sanity.
Sociability and Fatigue
In many ways, the connections we have with our colleagues have been steadily diminishing in recent years. Because of recurrent lockdowns, remote work, and the individualization of careers, workers have got used to communicating only through screens.
For example, an alarming report in 2010 indicated that only 30% of people had a close friend at work.
To address this problem, many companies are now adopting strategies to recreate these connections, essential to a functioning organization and a vibrant…
