When Professionalism Doesn’t Work at Work

No matter how professional we try to be, we don’t suddenly become different people the moment we clock in. Financial stress, family challenges, and health concerns follow us into the workplace, affecting how we think, feel, and perform.

Many employees feel pressured to suppress their struggles, fearing that acknowledging burnout or mental health concerns might make them seem unprofessional.

Ephesians 4:26 says, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." just as Jesus was angry without sin in Mark 3:1-6. Though we should not be ruled by our emotions, this is one of many verses that show:

🍊 Feelings are natural and important to acknowledge.

The Hidden Cost of Silence

• 44% of U.S. employees report feeling burned out at work (SHRM, 2024).

• Less than 30% feel comfortable sharing mental health concerns with senior leadership (NAMI, 2024).

• 51% of employees have experienced burnout in the past year (Grant Thornton, 2024)

Feeling bad is more than just a side effect, it impacts the quality of your work and the quality of team relationships. If you’ve ever pushed through exhaustion because “that’s just how it is,” you’re not alone. But should it really be this way?

How Leaders Can Make a Difference

A healthier workplace starts with leadership. Managers set the tone for whether employees feel safe being honest about their struggles. Small changes—like normalizing conversations about well-being, offering flexible solutions, and being approachable—can make a big difference.

Romans 12:15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Emotions are a part of life, and we’re meant to support each other in them. When companies create a culture that acknowledges emotions, it doesn’t just benefit employees—it fosters trust, collaboration, and engagement.

If you’re in a leadership role, ask yourself:

Practical Ways to Build a Healthier Workplace

✅ Encourage Open Communication – Create safe spaces for feedback, like anonymous surveys or open discussion meetings, and take action on that feedback.
✅ Recognize Achievements – Celebrate wins in ways that matter to each employee—bonuses, public recognition, or extra PTO.
✅ Support Growth – Invest in employees' professional development and advocate for their career goals.

Next Up:

We’ll explore the role of trust in the workplace—and how employees can shape their work environment, too.

If you've seen a great example of leadership whether at work or home, please share!

Until next time,

Amenda Wong