I’ve just had a really interesting chat with one of my clients about bringing our authentic selves to work following the pandemic, and also how the transition from corporate to business owner makes us feel when it comes to being our true selves at work.
I’m currently writing this from my office wearing my favourite Spice Girls sweatshirt for context…
Following on from the pandemic and return to work, it’s essential to acknowledge the changes in how we view work and what we expect from our workplaces. One thing that is clear is that there is a clear and significant shift upon the importance of authenticity in the workplace. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of authenticity in the workplace and how it can positively impact the work environment.
What is authenticity?
Authenticity is defined as the ability to be true to oneself, without fear of judgment or reprisal.
In business, for as long as I can remember, there is a stigma surrounding expectations of how a business should operate, look and perform, but this also reflects upon the employees who work there.
I’ve heard stories of people acting or dressing a certain way during work hours, or using buzzwords to make them feel included or that they’re taken seriously etc. I find the whole idea of this fascinating, but it is certainly not in isolation.
Authenticity and Being a Business Owner
Being a business owner can be a lonely place, so to have these conversations together is something I know adds real value to my clients with the HR service Faye Ramsey and I provide at Rebox HR.
As a business owner, the pressure to present oneself in a specific way can be significant. There is often an expectation to look and act a certain way to project professionalism. This expectation can lead to the suppression of one’s true self, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, embracing authenticity can lead to better communication and stronger relationships with clients and employees.
When we talk about authenticity, the automatic thought is about being genuine and true to yourself. When you are being authentic, you are not afraid to show your true personality, beliefs, and values. However, it also incorporates other factors, such as how we dress and present ourselves as business owners. If we don’t “dress up” for work, do we look too casual or come across as unprofessional? If we swear, does that discredit our accomplishments? If we fail to use the “on trend” buzzwords or language, does this make us appear that we aren’t in the know?
Authenticity and the role of HR
Today, I nervously embraced my authentic self at work, I’ve had four meetings already, all whilst wearing my favourite Spice Girls sweatshirt – would I have done this in corporate, heck to the N-O! Did my clients care? No, in fact it was a good ice breaker, turns out there’s a lot more Spice Girls fans amongst my clients than I thought!
As HR consultants at Rebox HR we believe that bringing your authentic self to work is essential for a healthy workplace. When employees feel that they can be themselves, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to contribute positively to the company. As an HR consultant, Rebox HR encourages companies to create a work environment that values and respects all employees, regardless of their background or identity.
Being our authentic selves is all about how we feel, we are bringing our whole selves to work. The reason many start their businesses is because they feel they don’t fit in with the employment space. And that’s ok. Life would be pretty boring if we were all the same anyway.
What do you think? Is being authentically yourself at work a challenge or is it encouraged? Let me know in the comments!
Natalie Ellis HR 