The Dangers of Toxic Positivity and Glossing in the Workplace

Hey there, reader! Whether you're a long-time corporate professional or just curious about the dynamics of workplace culture, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving deep into the toxic side of forced positivity, where employees feel the need to suppress genuine emotions to maintain a happy facade. 

This practice, known as glossing, combined with toxic positivity, can have damaging effects on both individual well-being and organizational productivity. So, grab a comfy seat and let's explore how this all-too-common phenomenon can negatively impact the modern workplace.

Understanding Glossing - What It Is and Why It Happens

In today’s workplace, the pressure to maintain a positive attitude has never been greater. Whether it’s meeting tight deadlines, navigating stressful office politics, or juggling personal challenges, the expectation to be perpetually upbeat can feel overwhelming. 

This phenomenon is referred to as glossing, which involves suppressing negative emotions at work—no matter the circumstances.

Why does glossing happen? The reason is often rooted in workplace culture. Employees fear being labeled as complainers or killjoys if they express dissatisfaction or concern. 

They may even worry about jeopardizing their career progress by not conforming to the happy worker image. And when glossing becomes the norm, it can set off a cascade of negative outcomes, from burnout to depression.

An example

Imagine Sarah, a marketing executive in a large corporation. She’s been feeling the pressure lately, juggling too many projects at once and finding it hard to keep up. Despite her mounting stress, she feels obligated to smile and act positive during meetings because everyone else seems to be doing the same. 

Eventually, Sarah finds herself disengaged and disconnected from her work—a direct consequence of constantly masking her true feelings.

Toxic Positivity - When Good Vibes Only Becomes Harmful

Toxic positivity takes glossing to the next level. It’s the idea that no matter how tough things get, you should always look on the bright side and avoid any negative emotions. 

In a toxic-positive environment, employees are encouraged (or even mandated) to be enthusiastic and upbeat, despite facing real challenges. This relentless pressure to maintain a cheerful demeanor can be mentally exhausting.

While positivity is typically a good thing, toxic positivity is problematic because it invalidates the reality of employees' feelings. 

For example, an employee facing personal struggles—such as dealing with a family member’s illness or managing a demanding commute—may feel isolated when forced to keep up a joyful appearance at work. This can worsen mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

How Glossing and Toxic Positivity Affect Mental Health

Studies have shown that faking emotions, particularly positive ones, can lead to emotional exhaustion. Research on bus drivers revealed that those who engaged in surface acting (i.e., pretending to be happy) were more disengaged than those who made a genuine effort to feel positive. 

In other words, simply acting happy isn’t enough—and it can do more harm than good.

Suppressing emotions has long-term consequences. When employees are required to put on a happy face, they may experience -

Increased Stress

Constantly masking negative emotions increases stress levels and mental fatigue.

Burnout

When employees feel they can’t express frustration or dissatisfaction, burnout follows. They feel emotionally drained and lose their motivation to work.

Disengagement

Employees who feel they can’t be themselves at work often disengage, which leads to lower productivity and job satisfaction.

The Pressure to Conform - Why We Gloss Over Real Emotions

One of the biggest drivers of glossing is the pressure to conform. In many workplaces, there’s an unspoken rule: if everyone around you is smiling, you should too. This desire to fit in can lead employees to suppress genuine emotions, fearing they’ll be seen as the odd one out if they express any form of negativity.

Let’s think of Raj, a software engineer at a tech company. His team frequently has high-stress projects, and the atmosphere in the office is tense. 

Despite feeling overwhelmed, Raj notices that his colleagues never voice their concerns, so he decides to keep quiet about his own stress. This cycle of suppression leads him to feel isolated and eventually, less committed to his work.

Leena Rinne, the global head of coaching at Skillsoft, explains that this behavior is often a natural response to fear or anxiety. Employees who don’t conform to the workplace’s positivity standards risk being ostracized. This fear drives glossing behavior, which only deepens employees’ sense of isolation.

How Toxic Positivity Impacts Organizational Productivity

When organizations prioritize toxic positivity over genuine employee well-being, it comes at a cost. Glossing and toxic positivity can lead to -

1. Lower Engagement

Employees who feel they can’t express their real emotions are less likely to be engaged. They stop caring about the company’s goals because their emotional needs aren’t being met.

2. Poor Communication

When everyone is focused on appearing positive, real problems are swept under the rug. Critical issues like project delays, workplace conflicts, or even safety concerns go unaddressed, harming the company's overall productivity.

3. High Turnover Rates

Employees who feel they can't be authentic at work are more likely to leave for companies that value their well-being. As a result, organizations face higher turnover rates and struggle to retain top talent.

The Role of Managers - Creating a Balanced Environment

Managers play a crucial role in fostering a healthy workplace culture that avoids the pitfalls of glossing and toxic positivity. To achieve this, leaders should-

Encourage Open Communication

Managers need to create a safe space where employees feel comfortable expressing both positive and negative emotions. This involves listening to their concerns without judgment.

Normalize Vulnerability

It’s important for leaders to model vulnerability by being honest about their own struggles and challenges. When managers are open about their own experiences, employees feel more comfortable doing the same.

Promote Genuine Positivity

Rather than forcing employees to adopt a false sense of optimism, encourage practices that lead to authentic happiness, such as team-building activities, mental health days, and wellness programs.

An empathetic manager understands that happiness can’t be mandated. Instead, they create an environment where employees feel supported and valued, no matter how they’re feeling on any given day.

How to Address Glossing and Toxic Positivity in Your Workplace

If you find yourself in a workplace that encourages glossing or toxic positivity, it’s essential to set boundaries and advocate for your well-being. Here are some tips:

Speak Up

Let your manager know how you feel. Explain that while you appreciate a positive atmosphere, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges and stress that employees are facing.

Take Breaks

Give yourself time to decompress throughout the day. Whether it’s a quick walk outside or a five-minute meditation, these breaks can help reset your emotional state.

Build a Support System

Connect with colleagues who understand the challenges of glossing and share similar feelings. Having someone to talk to can alleviate the pressure to conform.

Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining me on this exploration of toxic positivity and glossing in the workplace. I hope you found the information insightful and empowering. Remember, maintaining a positive attitude is healthy, but suppressing your true emotions for the sake of fitting in isn’t. 

Whether you’re an employee or a manager, fostering authenticity over forced happiness can create a healthier, more productive work environment.

If you have any thoughts or experiences with toxic positivity at work, feel free to share them in the comments below. Until next time, take care of your emotional well-being and advocate for a workplace where everyone can thrive—genuinely.

Edited by Shivam Sharma 

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