Fake smiling through the day can have a negative impact on mood and productivity

By Staff Writer

Michigan State University researchers report that employees who wear fake smiles throughout the work day may worsen their mood and decrease their productivity. However, those who smile as a result of thinking positive thoughts tend to be happier and withdraw less from their job.

The study appears in the current issue of the Academy of Management Journal. The researchers studied a sample population of city bus drivers over a period of two weeks. They evaluated the effects of fake and real smiling on mood and productivity, and found that the impact of positivity was stronger for females.

"Employers may think that simply getting their employees to smile is good for the organization," the researchers said. "[But] smiling for the sake of smiling can lead to emotional exhaustion and withdrawal, and that's bad for the organization."

They added that expectations are generally higher for women to show greater positivity and emotional intensity than their male counterparts. Faking a smile while experiencing inner negativity may result in even more harmful feelings in female employees.

Troubled teens who find it difficult to have a positive outlook on life may benefit from attending wilderness therapy.