Case: Happy Place – a big box retail chain – requires its employees (clerks, floorworkers, etc.) to always present a smile and cheerful attitude towards customers. If employees are caught not smiling or presenting a happy demeanor when interacting with customers, they are subject to disciplinary procedures, including write-ups, bad performance reviews, and even termination. Happy Place′s management argue that this practice is perfectly fine – after all, their employees work in the service industry and so the company is simply paying employees to provide a particular type of service. Argue FOR or AGAINST the ethical position of Happy Place′s policy that employees must always be cheery and smiling. Your post should focus on what we learned about emotional labor, and your argument should make clear points in favor of or against the ethical nature of Happy Place′s relevant policies.
