India, July 20 -- Work is often expected to be relentlessly optimistic, a place of constant positivity, where every opportunity is met with a big, toothy smile, and setbacks are brushed off with motivational quotes and an unconditional 'can-do attitude.' But there's only so much one can do before this forced cheerfulness spills into unhealthy territory, feeling performative at the cost of wellbeing. The way forward is to build an emotionally honest work environment that does not undermine uncomfortable emotions.

HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to understand how toxic positivity in the workplace affects mental health, and what measures can be adopted to ensure a more emotionally honest workplace environment where authenticity is value...