Tremendous discussion with the estimable Nana Berchie and Kate Palmer FCIPD on BBC Radio 4's #bottomline with Evan Davis deftly navigating a lively conversation on polarisation, politicisation and whether you should bring your 'whole self' to work.
My headline answer is 'no':
- a colleague may be naturally angry or defensive but, as an employer, I would still rather they came across as compassionate and curious even if they were, to some degree, faking it
- I am a different self with my bank manager, my cycling buddies, my wife and my colleagues. Bring my best 'work self' to work, sure, but 'whole self', better not.
- Telling people to be their authentic self at work poses a greater risk for those who most need support. The middle class kid from a red brick university who did an internship will have learnt the social mores and how to impress bosses. The new joiner from a less privileged background is more prone to a mis-step in their early days, in ways that will set them back. Telling them to be their authentic self risks exacerbating the divide.
There is a big difference between pretending that you’re something that you’re not, e.g. not gay or not a mother ('covering'), which you shouldn't ever have to do, and expecting people at work to accept you for everything that you are, take it or leave it.
The answer lies somewhere in the middle. Rather than rules and regulations, the key is good judgement.
More on this when the show is broadcast this Thursday.
Keep an ear out on Thursday. Our CEO, Octavius Black, will be on BBC Radio 4's 'The Bottom Line' programme, discussing bringing your whole self to work.
He is joined by Evan Davis, the show's host, Nana Berchie, Global People Director for Diversity, Belonging & Human Rights at Arcadis and Kate Palmer, Employment Services Director at Peninsula UK for a lively conversation.
Watch out for the live recording link on Thurs.
#TheBottomLine
#psychologicalsafety
We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon!!!!