Do you suffer from ‘pleasanteeism’?

Do you suffer from ‘pleasanteeism’?

More than half of UK employees say they feel under pressure to smile and hide their worries and concerns at work. According to Lime, authors of a new report Keeping up Appearances: How ‘Pleasanteeism’ is Eroding Resilience, the result is a ‘hidden mental health crisis’. Pleasanteeism just means a false sense of resilience and problems not being dealt with.

The report says 25% are concerned about whether they will be the ‘best version’ of themselves back in the workplace; 20% about whether their stress will be visible.

Mental health first

The survey also suggests that 26% of employees ‘aren’t coping’ with work; a third with everyday life in general. The research found that  just 16% feel their mental health is ‘well supported at work’. 81% want more. 40% said they would look for a new job if more help wasn’t offered around mental wellbeing.

“The long-term repercussions of the pandemic are likely to be felt for years to come, and it’s important we act now to be aware of and prioritise both our own mental health and that of those around us,” said Shaun Williams, CEO and Founder, Lime Global. “We know that employers have a lot on their plates and each workforce will require unique approaches for tackling mental health challenges. It’s only by drawing attention to and prioritising mental health in the workplace that we can support one another to be as healthy, resilient, happy and productive as possible.”

Open up to EAP

EAPA UK chair [https://www.eapa.org.uk/] Eugene Farrell said: “Inevitably employees put on a front at work. We step through the door and take on our professional persona. But as the Lime report points out, that’s no basis for resilience – particularly the level of resilience needed by organisations in the post-pandemic environment.

“EAP services needed to be front and centre of HR thinking and activity in this period. Because we know that while EAPs are listed as a benefit, there isn’t always the level of awareness and understanding of what an EAP is for – that it’s not just for people dealing with a personal crisis. EAP counsellors are an important outlet for staff with worries at all levels, a means of addressing small concerns early before they can turn into a major cause of stress.”