In today’s world, the concept of bringing your authentic self to work is celebrated more than ever. Yet, for many, the idea of authenticity can be fraught with challenges, especially when being their true selves can seem “too diverse” for the workplace. How can we navigate the tension between fitting in and standing out? And what does authenticity truly look like at work?
Bringing your authentic self to work is supposed to feel empowering. It means you can express who you are without fear or reservation. But what happens when your authentic self clashes with the norms of your workplace? This London School of Economics Business Review article explains this tension, “This arises out of a felt obligation to downplay certain aspects of one’s identity, or a requisite to conform to majority group social norms for acceptance and opportunity.” This is a reality many face, particularly those of us who represent historically marginalized groups.
Imagine being a person of color in a predominantly white office, a member of the LGBTQ+ community in a conservative work environment, or someone with unique cultural practices in a setting where conformity is the norm. The pressure to conform can be overwhelming, leading many to mask their true identities.
The Impact of Suppressing One’s Authenticity
Suppressing your authentic self at work can lead to several negative outcomes:
- Emotional Exhaustion: Constantly monitoring your behavior and hiding parts of your identity is mentally and emotionally draining. Periodt! (No. That is not misspelled. I said what I said.)
- Decreased Job Satisfaction: When you can’t be yourself, work becomes less fulfilling, and your passion may wane. You can only pretend for so long.
- Lower Productivity: Feeling disconnected from your true self over time decreases your creativity and overall performance. We have a finite amount of energy so if we are spending it suppressing ourselves, there is little left to innovate, create and execute.
- Mental Health Struggles: The stress of hiding your identity can lead to low self-esteem, extreme or suppressed anger, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Redefining Authenticity at Work
It’s about finding a balance between being true to yourself and adapting to your work environment.
So, what does authenticity at work truly look like? It’s about finding a balance between being true to yourself and adapting to your work environment. Here are some strategies:
Know Your Boundaries
Understand what aspects of your identity are non-negotiable and which ones you can adapt without feeling compromised. For example, you might choose to share your cultural background with colleagues but keep your personal life private. Or you might naturally speak loudly & with lots of passion but recognize that you are willing to work on lowering your volume, due to the open office environment.
Seek Allies
Find coworkers who respect and support your authenticity. Allies can provide a safe space for you to express yourself and help you advocate for a more inclusive work environment.
Communicate Openly
If you feel comfortable, have honest conversations with your manager or HR about your need for authenticity and your inability to explore it at work. Give your employer the opportunity to respond. Explain how being yourself can enhance your work and contribute to a more diverse and innovative workplace.
Lead by Example
Be a role model for authenticity. When others see you embracing your true self, it can inspire them to do the same. This can gradually shift the workplace culture towards greater acceptance and inclusion.
Practice Self-Care
Your workplace should not be considered a release for your ever evolving emotional state. So be proactive and take steps to protect your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in activities outside of work that celebrate your identity and provide a sense of community and belonging.
Leverage Affinity Groups & Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Join or form ERGs that reflect diversity and inclusion. These groups can offer support, resources, and a platform for advocating for more authentic and inclusive workplace practices.
The Role of Employers
Employers play a crucial role in fostering an environment where authenticity is valued. Here’s how companies can help:
Create Inclusive Policies
Implement policies that protect and celebrate diverse identities. This includes anti-discrimination policies, flexible dress codes, accommodations for religious practices, and flexing on time expectations.
Provide Training
Offer training on unconscious bias, cultural competency, emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership to help employees and managers understand the importance of authenticity, identity and how to support it. The opportunity for growth around these topics should be available to all levels of the organization.
Encourage Open Dialogue
Create spaces for open and respectful conversations about diversity and inclusion without consequences for employees being honest about their experiences. This can include town hall/all staff meetings, diversity forums, community conversations (for community-serving organizations) and regular feedback sessions. Be sure to equip your employees with healthy communication tools and expectations so these sessions remain a healthy exchange of thoughts and concerns rather than “gripe sessions.”
Be thoughtful and intentional… or it will come across as performative.
Celebrate Difference
Recognize and celebrate diverse identities through events, spotlights, and storytelling. Be thoughtful and intentional in doing so or it will come across as performative. This not only validates employees’ experiences but also educates the entire team. For example, could you share a diverse perspective that helped your organization land a contract, expand or win a grant?
The Role of Employees
Define Authenticity for Yourself
Understand what authenticity means to you. Identify your deal breakers while recognizing the need to adhere to workplace rules and culture. Decide which parts of yourself are essential to share and which can be kept private without compromising your authenticity. Not every single part of you needs to be shared at work.
Be Authentic
Once you know who you are and what matters most, be true to yourself. Strive to be the best version of yourself at work. Remember, while your job is a contract, not a family or friend, it should allow you to be authentic.
Manage Your Bias and Expectations
Past experiences of prejudice and bias can influence our current behavior. Instead of holding back out of fear or past trauma, be yourself and observe the response. If you are accepted, you can challenge any lingering biases. If not, it may be a sign to seek a more accepting workplace.
So what?
Being “too diverse” for your workplace shouldn’t be a barrier to authenticity. As Researchers Odessa Hamilton and Teresa Almeida wrote in the same LSE article referenced earlier, “Being open to hearing views that contradict our own gives liberty to authentic expression among all groups.” Authenticity at work means finding a balance that allows you to be true to yourself while contributing positively to your workplace. By embracing your true self and advocating for a more inclusive environment, you can help create a workplace where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated. It’s a journey of self-discovery, courage, and mutual appreciation that ultimately benefits everyone.
Embrace your uniqueness, seek out allies, and take small steps toward a more authentic work life. Your truest and highest version of yourself is not a liability; it can be your greatest asset.
#authenticityatwork #authenticity #leadauthentically
