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The Hidden Work of Emotional Labor – Why It Matters More Than Ever  | The invisible work in our personal and professional lives and it’s affect on our health

Your Doctor Friends

The Hidden Work of Emotional Labor – Why It Matters More Than Ever | The invisible work in our personal and professional lives and it’s affect on our health

February 11, 2025

The Hidden Work of Emotional Labor – Why It Matters More Than Ever | The invisible work in our personal and professional lives and it’s affect on our health

Did you know the invisible work that keeps our personal and professional lives running smoothly may also affect our health? We’re diving into a topic that impacts every relationship, workplace, and home—emotional labor— and yet it often goes unnoticed, undervalued, and uncompensated.

We’re joined by Rose Hackman, journalist and author of Emotional Labor: The Invisible Work Shaping Our Lives and How to Claim Our Power. Together, we explore the deep-rooted societal expectations around emotional labor and how gender dynamics play a crucial role in who carries this burden. Spoiler alert: women are doing the bulk of it, and it’s taking a toll.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What emotional labor is and why it’s essential for a functioning society

✅ How gender roles shape expectations around caregiving, kindness, and emotional intelligence

✅ The economic impact of emotional labor and why it should be compensated

✅ The role of emotional labor in relationships, workplaces, and healthcare settings

✅ Strategies to redistribute emotional labor fairly and recognize its value

We also dive into the idea that men can (and should) engage more in emotional labor—not just for fairness, but for their own well-being. In a world where connection and belonging are crucial for mental health, developing emotional intelligence is a survival skill, not just a ‘nice-to-have.’

Why This Conversation Matters:

If you’ve ever felt exhausted from constantly managing other people’s emotions, anticipating needs, or smoothing over conflicts—this episode is for you. We uncover the gender stress gap, discuss why married women are often the most stressed demographic, and share practical ways to set boundaries around emotional labor without damaging relationships.

And hey, we even bring it back to health (because, you know, Your Doctor Friends). The stress from invisible labor can have profound effects on our well-being, impacting everything from mental health to physical health. Recognizing and addressing emotional labor is a powerful way to reclaim energy, reduce stress, and build healthier relationships.

Actionable Takeaways:

💡 Notice emotional labor in your own life and give it the visibility it deserves

💡 If you’re benefiting from someone else’s emotional labor, acknowledge it and reciprocate

💡 Have open conversations with partners, coworkers, and loved ones about sharing the load

💡 Advocate for recognizing and compensating emotional labor in professional settings

This episode is packed with insights that will challenge the way you think about work, relationships, and fairness in daily life.

Connect with Us:

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Drop us a review or DM us—we love hearing from our listeners!

#YourDoctorFriends #EmotionalLabor #MentalHealth #InvisibleWork #Relationships #WorkplaceCulture #FairPlay #Podcast #WomenAndWork #HealthAndWellness

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