MASKING THROUGH THE WORKING DAY
Looking Capable While Becoming Increasingly Depleted
A person can look completely capable at work while using enormous amounts of energy simply to maintain that appearance.
Masking may involve consciously managing facial expression, tone of voice, eye contact, movement, sensory reactions, communication and social behaviour. It is commonly discussed in relation to autism and ADHD, but people may also hide anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and other forms of distress.
This Workplace Wellbeing resource looks beneath the visible working day.
The downloadable three-page guide explores why people mask, why masking can become automatic, the hidden cognitive workload involved, sensory distress, communication differences and the after-work crash that colleagues may never see.
It also looks at how successful performance can accidentally hide someone's need for support. Meeting deadlines does not necessarily mean that the current way of working is sustainable.
Rather than telling people simply to “unmask,” the guide asks how workplaces can become safer and more flexible so that employees do not have to spend so much energy performing an acceptable version of themselves.
It includes practical ideas for managers, possible workplace changes and a short masking check-in to help employees identify which parts of the working day cost them the most energy.
Space to Breathe Therapy
Support • Understand • Belong
