Lots of mundane jobs require interaction with other people – receiving applications for a driving license, drawing blood for a blood test, manning a counter at a supermarket, checking tickets of passengers boarding an aircraft and so on.
You could perform each of those jobs without the slightest bit of cheer – without humour, a friendly remark or even a smile. You would not be penalized for doing that.
Alternatively, you could go beyond the job description and add a layer of cheer on these jobs – read out people’s names while checking the tickets, wish people a great day at the cash register and flash a friendly smile. You would not get paid extra for that extra bit of emotional labour.
Yet, that bit of cheer lifts people’s spirits, improves their mood and puts a smile on their face. Further, this cheer lifts your spirits and brightens your day. It’s a win-win.
Emotional labour isn’t fairly compensated. However, it is also a bargain.
Observations 