Anyone who has worked in the hospitality industry has been there - forcing a smile at even the most repugnant customer, all in the name of providing a service.
But it seems smiling too much at work can seriously damage your health.
Researchers at a university in Germany now claim enforced jolliness on the job is much more likely to make people fall ill.
The researchers said 'professional smilers', such as waiters, flight attendants, sales personnel and others in contact with the public for extended periods of time, were at risk of seriously harming their health.
Speaking at the end of the two-year study, Professor Dieter Zapf, a researcher into human emotions who led psychologists at Frankfurt University, said that fake friendliness led to depression, stress, and a lowering of the immune system.
This in turn can trigger more serious ailments, such as high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, he claimed.
"Every time a person is forced to repress his true feelings, there are negative consequences for his health," Zapf added.
Comments (1)
We are all healthy here, guess its because we never smile!
Posted by catering equipment | May 21, 2008 10:12 AM
Posted on May 21, 2008 10:12