The Toll of Masking
Philip Wilkerson III, M.Ed, DTM
Higher Education Professional | Podcast Creator (Positive Philter)| Writer/Publisher Author | Passionate About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Public Speaker
I was texting with a colleague, expressing my gratitude for the space she gave me to be authentic, and it made me reflect on how frequently we wear masks in our daily lives. It's akin to the protective gear athletes wear—a face mask in football, a helmet in contact sports. Similarly, at work, we wear masks that appropriately shield us and preserve the culture of our environment.?
?Wearing masks isn't necessarily negative; it's a reality. I believe we should wear certain masks for self-protection and to maintain a positive work culture. However, having opportunities to lower those masks is liberating. Much like a football player taking a break for water, we can momentarily reveal our true selves.?
??In a predominantly white space, I'm grateful for colleagues of color where I can lower my mask, both within my office and institution. This underscores the importance of affinity groups, providing spaces to be authentic. It's not about being fake at work; rather, it's about being different versions of oneself. Like the multiverse in Spiderman, I wear various masks, each representing a genuine aspect of me.?
??I encourage everyone to consider the layers of themselves, where they wear masks, and where they can be unapologetically themselves. Recognize and appreciate those spaces because, as I realized, not everyone has the luxury of being maskless. Share your gratitude for the people who allow you to be authentic, fostering a culture of openness, empathy, and kindness where everyone can be unmasked without judgment.?
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?Reflecting on our daily mask-wearing, it's essential to acknowledge the toll it can take on individuals. Constantly wearing masks, whether metaphorical or literal, can be emotionally draining and mentally exhausting. The effort to navigate different versions of oneself in various settings can create a sense of disconnection and internal conflict.?
??The weight of perpetual masking is particularly evident when considering those who feel compelled to wear a facade throughout every waking moment. Famous individuals, despite their success, often grapple with the inability to be perceived as "normal" in public. The pressure to conform to societal expectations can result in a profound sense of isolation and burnout.?
?As we express gratitude for spaces where we can be unmasked, it's crucial to recognize that not everyone enjoys such privileges. Many people endure the relentless demand to wear a mask 24/7, facing the risk of losing touch with their authentic selves. This chronic masking can lead to anxiety, stress, and a diminished sense of well-being.?
??In encouraging others to appreciate unmasked moments, let's also advocate for environments that allow individuals to shed their masks without fear of judgment. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can collectively alleviate the toll of constant masking and create spaces where authenticity is not only valued but celebrated.?
Higher Education Advancement Professional
1 年Good topic, Phil. For some, masking is a key coping mechanism in the workplace. As you stated in your opening, it is good to have colleagues who provide a space for colleagues to be their authentic self. At the same time, we must realize that some people see their job as just a job and won’t ever bring their full self to the workplace and that’s okay. For this group, masking is necessary to just get through the workday/week. However, on the flip side, being able to bring one’s full self to the workplace could enhance the work environment by giving employees additional connections to their colleagues (i.e., learning about a colleague who has kids that are around the same age as yours or a colleague who has similar hobbies). These additional connections can help improve work relationships. When you take time to get to know a colleague, your interactions become less transactional and you become more invested in each other’s success on the job. Overall, masking is a personal decision that (a) every employee must decide where they stand with it, and (b) every employee must recognize, and respect, that some people will never share personal information with work colleagues.
Professional Certified Coach | Strengths-based Career Coach | Career Transition Coaching | Career Development Facilitator and Trainer
1 年Philip, thank you for writing this piece. Such an important issue both in social settings and professional ones. As a white female, I’ve had the privilege of not wearing a mask during much of my career. I would agree with Sean Schofield, Ph.D. that as you progress to mid and senior level roles it’s more difficult to be “mask-less.” Once in these higher level roles, colleagues and stakeholders with whom you interact and partner change. And with those changes comes a different set of expectations and acceptable ways of showing up. While not everyone may have had this experience, I am sharing this perspective because it was my experience.
Maritime Geographer at U.S. Department of State
1 年Excellent and relatable on many different levels and contexts, Philip!
Experienced Career Services Professional striving to make meaningful connections with employers and students
1 年Great article Philip!