Emotions at work: Understanding and regulating them

At Lifeguard, we firmly believe that healthy employees create a healthy organization. This goes beyond just physical health: emotional health is equally important. People who feel good spread positive energy that is felt throughout the company. However, emotions at work can also be challenging. They can contribute to growth and success but can also lead to tension and conflicts. Understanding and effectively managing emotions at work is therefore essential.

Emotions are complex reactions that help us understand what is happening around us. They guide our behavior and influence how we collaborate. For example, enthusiasm is contagious and boosts productivity and innovation. At the same time, negative emotions such as frustration and stress can lead to decreased collaboration and conflicts. This is precisely why it is so important to consciously manage emotions at work.

In the workplace, it is sometimes believed that emotions do not belong in a professional environment. Nothing could be further from the truth: emotions at work are deeply connected to how we work and perform. The challenge lies in finding a balance. Suppressing emotions entirely is not desirable, but expressing them uncontrollably is also not ideal. This is where emotional intelligence comes into play: the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate both your own emotions and those of others.

At Lifeguard, we view energy as a strategic tool. Emotions at work contribute to the overall energy within a company. An employee who is positive and energetic performs better and influences colleagues to do the same. On the other hand, negative emotions can drain energy and reduce performance. Actively managing emotions at work is therefore a strategic choice that directly contributes to business results.

Openly expressing emotions has its advantages, such as strengthening connections with colleagues and increasing engagement. However, it also comes with risks: negative emotions like anger can damage relationships and increase tensions. The key is to share emotions at work in a constructive way, ensuring they contribute to a healthy and productive work environment.

1. Take a conscious break
   When you feel emotionally overwhelmed, taking a short break can help you regain clarity. Step away from your workspace or take a few deep breaths. This helps you avoid reacting impulsively and allows you to make a conscious choice from a place of calm.
2. Recognize your emotions
   Many people find it difficult to pinpoint exactly what they’re feeling. Stress at work, for example, may stem from uncertainty, fear, or disappointment. By becoming aware of your emotions, you can better determine what you need and what steps to take to regain balance.
3. Communicate effectively
   Be mindful of what you do with your emotions. Ask yourself: should I share this with a colleague, and if so, in what way? Sometimes it’s enough to keep your emotions to yourself, but in other situations, being open can be helpful. Make sure your emotions are directed to the right person, someone who can actually take action or offer support.

Self-regulation means pausing your initial impulsive reaction and consciously choosing how to respond. Mindfulness exercises can be incredibly helpful in this process. By practicing regularly, you get better at observing your emotions without being immediately swept up by them. This not only benefits you but also positively impacts your colleagues.

Empathy goes beyond simply feeling for another person; it means actively putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. This is a crucial skill for collaboration and leadership. Empathy can be developed in several ways:

• Actively listen and give your full attention to your conversation partner.
• Ask questions to better understand emotions and experiences.
• Regularly ask yourself: how would I feel in this situation?
• Seek out stories (in books, movies, or series) that help you understand different perspectives.
• Reflect on your own experiences to develop a deeper understanding of others.

Emotions manifest daily in the workplace, such as when receiving feedback, managing high workloads, or supporting a colleague during stressful times. For instance, a manager must remain calm and clear-headed, even when experiencing personal stress, in order to effectively support their team. By actively working on emotional intelligence, both employees and leaders can respond more effectively to emotional situations.

Why are emotions at work so important?
Because they directly impact motivation, engagement, collaboration, and ultimately, business results.

How can I better manage my emotions at work?
By becoming more aware of your emotions and applying techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises.

Is it acceptable to express emotions at work? Yes, as long as it’s done appropriately. Positive emotions like enthusiasm have a positive impact, while negative emotions should be shared cautiously and constructively.

By consciously and strategically managing emotions at work, you create a healthy, positive work environment. At Lifeguard, we believe that healthy people lead to healthy outcomes. By taking emotions seriously, developing empathy, and communicating mindfully, we strengthen not only the well-being of employees but also the success of the organization.