Michael Saltzstein: Emotional Labor Deserves Recognition in Modern Office Culture When we think of workplace contributions, we often focus on productivity, deadlines, and deliverables. Yet there's a less visible force shaping team dynamics and client interactions , emotional labor . Michael Saltzstein , a respected voice in workplace dynamics and leadership development, emphasizes that the emotional energy employees invest in maintaining composure, empathy , and diplomacy is critical, though often unrecognized. Emotional labor refers to regulating feelings and expressions to fulfill professional roles. It’s what happens when an employee smiles through frustration, remains calm in a heated meeting, or absorbs a client’s stress while remaining supportive. This unseen effort keeps workplaces functioning smoothly, yet it often comes with emotional exhaustion and a lack of acknowledgment. The Demands Behind the Smile Frontline professionals, ...