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Disneylandization in companies

The Disneylandization It is a phenomenon that in certain “organizational cultures” or “leadership styles” seeks to create a perfect and happy work environment, designed to project an idyllic and unrealistically positive image of the company.

Have you ever felt trapped by the “Disneylandization” of your job?

This concept is inspired by fairy-tale theme parks, but by transferring this façade of joy and well-being to other types of organizations, very worrying realities for employees are often hidden, and harmful practices are swept under the carpet, such as:

The Dynamics of the Harmful Leader
Studies have profiled certain business “leaders” with psychopathic traits who, in their narcissistic quest for self-veneration, implement management practices that are detrimental to the mental health of employees. In this context, Disneylandization can serve as a smokescreen, hiding real mental health and wellbeing problems in the workplace.

The Illusion of the Happy Company
We have enthusiastically embraced the trend of “Organizational Happiness,” where companies present themselves as one big “family,” in which well-being, quality of life, and personal purpose seem to align perfectly with corporate goals. However, this idealization can hide an oppressive reality. Behind the activities of team building, employee benefits and social dynamics, many employees feel trapped in a daily routine that stifles their authentic well-being.

The Need and Vulnerability of the Worker
For many, the search for employment has become a traumatic experience. Recruitment processes are long and often discriminatory, which increases people's vulnerability. In addition, the pressure of maintaining a job in a context of debt and job insecurity leads many to tolerate toxic working conditions for fear of the unknown.

The Disneylandization of the workplace helps divert attention from these problems, and employees, in their attempt to adapt and survive, end up normalizing behaviors that would otherwise be unacceptable.

It is crucial that companies and their leaders recognize that Disneylandization is not a sustainable solution. Creating healthy work environments must be based on authenticity, empathy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of workers, who must also feel empowered to express their experiences and challenge the toxic narratives that perpetuate unrest.

The medicine for these organizations and leaders is to accept the imperfect reality of being human and to recognize their own and their team's limitations without becoming disillusioned by the truth of human experiences.

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