Understanding Toxic Positivity in the Workplace

Toxic positivity refers to the expectation that individuals should maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging situations, and can be detrimental to mental health in the workplace. An example shared involved a person feeling dismissed after losing colleagues during layoffs, being pressured to simply be grateful to still have a job. This phenomenon often serves to distract individuals from the painful realities of job insecurity and emotional distress, potentially leading to repressed feelings that impact overall well-being. A balanced approach to emotions is essential, allowing for genuine experiences of sadness, confusion, or frustration in response to workplace challenges.