Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
Employees are increasingly navigating workplaces where showing true emotions feels risky, leading many to hide their struggles and suffer quietly. A recent survey of more than 1,000 U.S. workers by Zety reveals a troubling picture: only about a third feel their workplace is psychologically safe, and two-thirds admit to “masking” their emotions to maintain professionalism.
This culture of emotional restraint, known as “corporate masking,” leaves many feeling isolated and hesitant to speak openly about mental health concerns.
Burnout and Overwhelm Are Taking a Heavy Toll
Workplace stress is widespread, with burnout and heavy workloads topping the list of emotional pressures. Over 60% of employees have felt overwhelmed to the point of tears in the past year, and nearly one-third have cried at work due to stress.
Yet expressing these feelings often leads to judgment — 44% say they feel judged when showing negative emotions, and many have been told to “toughen up” or “leave feelings at the door.”
This dismissive response fosters silence and erodes trust, making it difficult for teams to connect authentically.
Lack of Trust Leaves Employees Turning Away from Formal Support
Mental health support in the workplace remains insufficient. While most employees rely on trusted colleagues or friends for support, fewer than one in five feel comfortable discussing their struggles with their managers, and only a small fraction turn to HR or workplace counselors.
Alarmingly, a quarter wouldn’t feel safe telling their manager if their mental health was suffering, and some hide the true reasons when taking mental health days.
Breaking the Silence Is Essential to Building Resilient Workplaces
Without safe spaces to express emotions and seek help, employees risk burnout and disengagement. However, by breaking down stigma and building stronger, more empathetic support networks, companies have a real opportunity to foster resilience and improve wellbeing — turning emotional safety from a rare luxury into a workplace norm.
