The Key to Becoming More Authentic at Work

Are you truly yourself at work? Within the bounds of professional norms, sharing who you really are at work has positive health and well-being benefits associated with it.

Being authentic with others can also strengthen relationships at work and boost engagement. When people really know each other well, they work together more smoothly and effectively. But it isn’t always easy to be authentic with your coworkers.

Why is it hard to be authentic at work?

One big reason it’s hard to be authentic at work: society promotes what researchers call “ideal worker norms.” These norms dictate how people act at work and how we perceive ourselves and our coworkers. These norms have created very standardised expectations for employees’ working hours (always being “on”), work-life balance (constantly putting work before life), and demeanour at work (what to wear, say, and do to give off a professional persona).

All of these norms push us to hide who we really are at work. If you aren’t always working, have hobbies or spend time doing leisure activities, or are more casual or lax outside of work, a mismatch with ideal worker norms can occur. In turn, people decide not to reveal information that seems at odds with these norms. But people are so much more than what these norms allow for! Employees have full, rich lives outside of work that reflect who they are. Without sharing that information at work, coworkers miss out on getting to know each other on a deeper level.

What can you do to be more authentic at work?

Our research shows that simply reflecting on your work persona can help. First, think hard about how much of your work personality and actions are really “you.” How much of who you are at work is simply what you mimicked from others? What is really true to you? Are there strategic reasons you might act a certain way? Do you agree that those reasons are actually important? Or is it possible to be more yourself at work?

It can be a challenge to show people at work your true self!

Letting go of traits and behaviours that aren’t really “you” and aren’t serving you can help you to become more authentic. In their place, incorporating more of your true self into your work day can help. Can you tell people more about your hopes, dreams, fears, and worries? Are you able to share about what you did over the weekend or a hobby you really love? Is it possible to share information about family or friends who are important to you and whom you spend time with outside of work? Starting to share more about who you are, what you value, and your life outside of work can draw you closer to your coworkers. You’ll work better together if you really understand one another on a human level.

Conclusions

There can be good reasons to hide who you are at work. For example, you may worry that you’ll face stigma or bias from others. But, many times, our work personas have developed without a lot of conscious thought. Thinking hard about who you are, who you want to be, and how you can be more yourself at work is a good first step.

After you identify traits or behaviours you want to let go of, hold yourself accountable. When old habits reappear, make a note of why and try to use a replacement behaviour when those circumstances arise again. Similarly, when you know what you want to add to your routine, start small. Maybe share a tidbit about what you did after work or over the weekend first. Over time, as you get more comfortable, you can increase your authentic behaviours at work.