Barriers to Being Authentic at Work

Barriers to Being Authentic at Work

When I first began hearing the increasing trend of promoting authenticity at work, I was on the fence. I would not bring my weekend self to work. Meaning the sweatpants and hair-tied look would not be appropriate when working with clients.

I used to think bringing your authentic self to work meant rolling in to work with the hot mess baggage we often leave at the elevator doors. Based on the research and thinking about bringing my true self to the workplace, I have a better appreciation and understanding of authenticity at work.

A survey administered by Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership of more than 6,000 professionals, found that 93% agree “being authentic at work is important.” But why?

Authenticity leads to job satisfaction at work. Survey respondents feel more confident at work, are more engaged, happier, more inspired, and feel better about themselves and the company (Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, 2021).

However, there is research that shows 64% of workers feel that being their true selves would make the workplace environment worse. This relates to the barriers some people experience when determining bringing their true self to work.

If authenticity has positive benefits why do some struggle with bringing their true self to work?

Barriers to being authentic:

Authenticity can be a complex space to navigate through and not everyone wants to move beyond surface talk like the weather. Some people feel discomfort in being vulnerable with work colleagues or clients. Or could fear being too “touchy-feely”.

Code-switching for underrepresented groups is a barrier to authenticity. According to the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), code-switching is adapting one's communication, appearance, and mannerisms to fit in. People that don’t make up the majority often feel pressured to code-switch, which diminishes our ability to show up as our true selves.

Code-switching is done out of fear that showing up as their true self will mean they’ll be judged or treated differently. This is because personal traits, attributes, and expressions that feel normal to them are abnormal and inappropriate to the majority.

Check out this TED talk by Jodi Ann Buey to understand a person’s hesitation to be authentic.

It’s a journey.

Feeling connected is a driver of authentic expression. For everyone to feel comfortable to show up as themselves, leaders must create the space for others to feel comfortable to show up as their true selves.

“Seeded in this call for authenticity is this idea that those who don’t have to spend all their energy hiding parts of themselves could find more fulfillment at work” – Jodi Ann Buey

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