A recent study by Juno Inc. and Daiki Sekiya of Tokyo Seitoku University reveals that many employees feel overwhelmed by emotional demands at work. The research involved 253 workers who shared their experiences with job-related stress.
According to the study, a major cause of stress is the need to maintain a cheerful and friendly appearance, even when workers feel tired, upset, or unhappy. Many participants said this emotional effort is exhausting, especially when repeated daily.
The stress often follows them home. Workers reported thinking about difficult work situations long after their shifts ended. They mentioned incidents such as being scolded by customers, receiving negative feedback from managers, or having tense conversations with coworkers. These memories often replay in their minds, causing ongoing anxiety.
One young man working at a convenience store in Tokyo shared his experience. About a year ago, a customer shouted at him for being too slow. “Even now, I can’t forget what he said,” the man recalled. “When I get home, I think about it and feel sad again.”
Daiki Sekiya explained that this kind of repeated thinking increases stress. He said employers must take action to support their staff. “Companies need to create safe environments,” he said. “Workers should have someone they trust to talk to about their problems.”
Sekiya also offered advice for workers dealing with stress. He encouraged people to relax after work by doing things they enjoy. Talking to friends, playing sports, listening to music, or eating a favorite meal can help people calm down and let go of negative emotions from the workplace.
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