The Benefits of Being Yourself at Work
26 juni 2024Increasingly, workplaces are valuing the importance of being your authentic self. Employees want to feel free to express their true selves without fear of discrimination or negative repercussions. Being yourself at work has benefits for both the employee and the employer.
For the Employee: Less Stress, More Social Connection
Being yourself at work reduces stress. According to a study published in the “Journal of Applied Psychology,” it leads to fewer burnouts and higher levels of satisfaction and engagement (Journal of Applied Psychology, 2021). This is because the energy that would typically be spent hiding one’s true feelings and behaviors can instead be channeled into productivity, creativity, and personal development.
Additionally, self-worth increases and social relationships improve when employees feel they can be themselves. This acceptance fosters greater engagement with colleagues and the organization, serving as a buffer against stress (Gallup, 2020).
Feel Free at Work
Being yourself at work can take many forms, such as expressing your personal style and opinions, or managing your work-life balance in a way that suits you. Employees who feel free to dress and share their opinions experience a more open communication culture and foster more creative collaborations.
Allowing flexible working hours and locations, including personalizing one’s workspace, enables employees to better manage their work-life balance, enhancing their overall well-being (NIVEL, 2019).
For the Employer: Reduced Absenteeism, More Innovation
Research from TNO shows that a work environment where employees feel safe and accepted leads to lower absenteeism and even lower turnover rates (TNO, 2019). A study by SER indicates that organizations investing in an inclusive culture, thereby creating a stress-free work environment, also spend less on healthcare costs for their employees (SER, 2020).
Besides cost savings, employers also gain significantly. Employees who can be themselves at work contribute more to innovation, think more creatively, and feel a stronger connection to the company (Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau, 2018).
A True Win-Win
Being yourself at work is a true win-win. An inclusive company culture contributes to the (mental) well-being of employees, saves on healthcare costs, and pays off in increased productivity, lower turnover rates, and higher engagement.
