The Mask We Wear at Work

Episode Summary:

Every workplace has its masks. For some, it’s the “work face” we put on each morning to look confident or composed. For others, it’s much deeper — hiding a class background, a sexual orientation, or a neurodiverse identity to feel safe.

In this episode, Michael Comyn explores the hidden cost of wearing masks at work. Drawing on the idea of emotional labour from sociologist Arlie Hochschild, he reflects on the difference between surface acting and deep acting, the pressures created by DEI policies, and how authenticity and emotional intelligence can help us create workplaces where masks aren’t necessary.

It’s a conversation about the toll of constant self-editing, the emotional weight of representation, and the quiet relief that comes when we show up as ourselves.

Topics covered:

• Why do we put on “work faces”
• The deeper masks of identity, class, and orientation
• Arlie Hochschild’s ideas on emotional labour (surface and deep acting)
• The hidden personal costs of DEI in large organisations
• How emotional intelligence supports authenticity and inclusion

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Managed Heart by Arlie Hochschild
• The concepts of surface acting and deep acting
• Emotional intelligence and authenticity in leadership

Book Release:

The Mind the Gap book — a collection of reflections on emotional intelligence, psychology, and the challenges of being human — is now available worldwide in Kindle, paperback, and hardback editions on Amazon.

📖 Order here