Inclusive environments where employees are encouraged to bring their full self to work, lead to higher performing Organizations!

Haylen Rose
5 min readJan 20, 2024

--

…the overall workforce health, innovation as well as productivity have all been shown to benefit appreciably

In an evolving society that has become more diversity conscious and recognizes the need to protect the human rights of minorities, more and more organizations are adopting measures to support inclusion. These measures, however, have also been shown to have real impact on the bottom line of the organizations. Beyond the social goodwill of these measures; the overall workforce health, innovation as well as productivity have all been shown to benefit appreciably. In this article we’ll explore what leads to these benefits being attained and the studies that support these outcomes.

When individuals feel free to express their true selves, it promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance. This, in turn, strengthens team cohesion and morale. Employees who bring their full selves to work are more likely to engage with their tasks, share diverse perspectives, and contribute innovative ideas.

…it promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance. This, in turn, strengthens team cohesion and morale

Moreover, authenticity builds trust among colleagues and supervisors. Open communication and genuine interactions establish a foundation for strong professional relationships. By embracing one’s true identity, individuals break down barriers, leading to increased understanding and respect within the workplace.

Workplaces that prioritize authenticity also benefit from improved mental health and well-being. Suppressing aspects of one’s identity can contribute to stress and anxiety. Allowing employees to be authentic creates a supportive atmosphere where they can express themselves without fear of judgment, reducing stress levels and fostering a positive work environment.

… enhances creativity and problem-solving by drawing on a wide range of perspectives and experiences

Inclusive workplaces are more attractive to a diverse workforce. Companies that celebrate individuality and create an environment where employees can be their authentic selves are better equipped to attract and retain top talent. This diversity not only enriches the workplace culture but also enhances creativity and problem-solving by drawing on a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

Another significant outcome of bringing your full self to work is increased innovation. When employees feel free to express their unique perspectives and ideas without fear of judgment, it sparks creativity. Diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to a rich tapestry of thoughts and solutions, driving innovation and problem-solving within the company.

Diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to a rich tapestry of thoughts and solutions, driving innovation and problem-solving within the company

Additionally, authenticity promotes a culture of openness and adaptability. Employees who bring their full selves to work are more likely to communicate openly about challenges and uncertainties. This transparency enables teams to navigate changes more effectively, fostering a culture that embraces continuous learning and improvement.

Authenticity also plays a crucial role in employee engagement and motivation. When individuals feel valued for who they truly are, their commitment to their work and the organization deepens. A sense of purpose and belonging arises, motivating employees to go above and beyond in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.

Open and honest communication builds resilience within teams, allowing them to address issues promptly and constructively

Furthermore, organizations that prioritize authenticity are better equipped to handle conflicts and challenges. Open and honest communication builds resilience within teams, allowing them to address issues promptly and constructively. This proactive approach to conflict resolution contributes to a healthier work environment and stronger, more resilient teams.

These successes to organizations have become so notable in recent years, it has become the subject of study by many accredited groups. The following are some popular research initiatives undertaken and a brief summary of their results.

1. Harvard Business Review (HBR) Study on Authentic Leadership:

• HBR has published various articles emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership. Authentic leaders, who bring their true selves to their roles, are found to enhance employee engagement and overall team performance.

2. Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends Report:

• Deloitte’s annual report often addresses the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture. Research indicates that organizations with a strong culture of inclusion, where employees feel free to express their authentic selves, are more likely to outperform their peers.

3. McKinsey’s Diversity and Inclusion Report:

• McKinsey has conducted research showing that diverse and inclusive workplaces positively impact business performance. Encouraging authenticity is a key component of fostering diversity and inclusion.

4. Gallup’s Employee Engagement Surveys:

• Gallup consistently emphasizes the link between employee engagement and organizational success. Employees who feel they can be themselves at work are more likely to be engaged, leading to higher productivity and lower turnover.

5. Catalyst Research on Psychological Safety:

• Catalyst, a global nonprofit focused on workplace inclusion, has conducted research on psychological safety. Teams that promote psychological safety, where individuals can be authentic without fear of negative consequences, tend to be more innovative and perform better.

These studies collectively highlight the positive correlation between authenticity, workplace culture, and organizational success. As workplace dynamics evolve, ongoing research continues to explore the multifaceted benefits of bringing one’s full self to work.

In conclusion, bringing your full self to work is not just a personal choice; it’s a strategic decision for organizational success. The benefits extend to innovation, adaptability, employee engagement, and conflict resolution. By fostering an environment that encourages authenticity, companies can unlock the full potential of their workforce and create a workplace culture that thrives on diversity, inclusion, and collaboration.

--

--

Haylen Rose

Technologist, Entrepreneur, Agile advocate, Software Engineer, proud female activist who happens to be transgender