Encouraging Employees to Bring Their Authentic Self to the Workplace

Are you tired of leaving a piece of yourself at the door when you walk into work? Many employees feel the need to put on a façade and hide their true selves in order to fit into the corporate mold. However, research shows that bringing your “whole person” to work can lead to a more engaged, satisfied, and productive workforce.

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven business world, it’s easy for talent managers to lose sight of the human side of their job. However, to truly engage employees and deliver a great employee experience, talent managers must prioritize real, human dialogue between leaders and employees.

How to encourage authenticity in the workplace

Organizations that embrace the idea of the “whole person” are rethinking the employee experience in ways that respect individual differences while adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. Let’s explore the ways in which employers can encourage employees to bring their “whole person” to work:

• Recognize the value of diverse perspectives: Employers can foster a culture that values diversity and inclusion by recognizing and celebrating the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of their employees. This helps create a more inclusive and accepting environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves.

• Provide opportunities for personal development: Employers can provide opportunities for employees to grow and develop both personally and professionally. This can include wellness programs, personal development courses, and leadership training.

• Encourage social connection: Employers can create opportunities for employees to connect socially, such as team-building events, volunteer opportunities, and social clubs. This helps foster a sense of community and support among employees.

Benefits of being the “whole person” at work

By getting “back to human” and bringing the team closer, talent managers can benefit in the following ways:

• Increased engagement: When employees feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work, they are more likely to be engaged in their work, which can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

• Improved teamwork: When employees feel comfortable being themselves, it can lead to better teamwork and collaboration. Employees are more likely to share their ideas and perspectives, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving.

• Better mental health: When employees can bring their whole selves to work, they may feel less stress and anxiety about hiding parts of themselves, leading to better mental health.

• Diversity and inclusion: Encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to work can lead to a more diverse and inclusive workplace, which can lead to a wider range of ideas and perspectives.

Additionally, when employees feel valued for their unique identities and experiences, they are more likely to stay with the organization long-term, reducing turnover and associated costs.

Take it slow

It’s important for employers to create a safe space where employees feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. This can be achieved through policies and training that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As an individual employee, it can be scary to be vulnerable and share your whole self at work. However, being your authentic self can lead to deeper connections with colleagues and a more fulfilling work experience. Start small by sharing a personal interest or hobby with a coworker, and find out what you have in common.

Summing up

By encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work, organizations can create a more engaged, productive, and inclusive workforce. By fostering a culture of acceptance and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, employers can create a workplace where employees feel valued and supported. So let’s all work towards bringing our whole selves to work and creating a more human workplace.

One effective way to encourage authenticity in the workplace is through the use of a Karma recognition system. It allows employees to recognize and reward their colleagues for demonstrating a positive attitude or achieving goals, creating a culture of appreciation and encouragement. By using Karma, employers can further promote a supportive and inclusive workplace, where employees feel valued for their contributions and encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Take a minute to consider implementing a Karma recognition system and watch your workforce thrive.

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