Emotional compensation
Emotional compensation is the non-monetary benefits an employee receives at work. These benefits fulfill an employee's emotional needs rather than financial needs. Emotional compensation helps employees feel empowered and happier at work.
Examples of emotional compensation:
Food compensation: overeating when stressed, choosing “comfort foods” (sweets, fast food) to improve mood.
Material compensation: impulsive shopping, investing in expensive things to feel valuable and status.
Social compensation: constantly seeking support from friends or family, active participation in social networks to gain approval or recognition.
Creative compensation: drawing, writing, music, immersing yourself in art as a way to distract yourself from problems.
Career compensation: perfectionism and excessive work, striving for high positions for recognition.
Physical compensation: intense training as a way to overcome anger or anxiety, relaxing with massage or yoga.
Entertainment compensation: watching movies or TV shows to escape reality, attending parties or events to lift your spirits.
Compensation for self-education: learning a foreign language for self-affirmation, participating in courses or training to develop confidence.
Escapism: immersing yourself in video games or literature, dreaming of an ideal future.
Harmful forms of compensation: alcohol, smoking or drugs, gambling or other addictions.
Russell Joyce, E.A (16.08.2023). Leaders: To Retain Employees, You Need To Invest In Emotional Compensation. Retrieved from: https://shorturl.at/r6XEW
Nuñez, M (2024). Emotional compensation: a key benefit for employee retention and engagement. Retrieved from: https://shorturl.at/XPI50