Social masking and its impacts on professional well-being

Social masking, or social camouflage, involves adapting or hiding specific behaviors to meet environmental or professional expectations. In the workplace, this can manifest as feigning confidence, suppressing emotions, avoiding disagreements, or imitating colleagues to gain acceptance.

While minor behavioral adjustments are common in social settings, masking becomes problematic when the effort is intense, constant, and requires continuous self-monitoring. This is particularly prevalent among neurodivergent individuals, though it can affect any worker attempting to fit professional norms.

The psychological consequences of persistent masking include emotional exhaustion, anxiety, burnout, and difficulty setting personal boundaries. Experts suggest that companies should foster inclusive cultures that allow employees to act authentically without fear of stigma to mitigate these mental health risks.