One Key Skill Needed to Thrive in the Future of Work? Valuing the Whole Employee

In my conversations with leaders about the future of work and what it might mean for employees, at times, we touch upon the idea that the level of soft skills will need to rise to our level of technical skills in order to remain relevant. Soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, require not just new ways of thinking but also valuing what each individual employee brings to the organization.

The impact of this opportunity was demonstrated clearly at a recent event hosted at Mercer’s New York headquarters: “How to Bring Your Whole Self to Work through an LGBTQA+ Lens.” The event was sponsored by two of Mercer’s Business Resource Groups — Mercer’s PRIDE Network and Mercer Cares — in support of Covenant House, an organization that provides shelter for homeless and at-risk youth around the US and in other countries. As the moderator, I had the honor of participating in much of the conversation.

While tradition has taught us to treat our personal and our working lives as two different parts, we’re seeing those biases crumble. In the era of the future of work, it is now our collective duty to ensure our colleagues reach their full potential and bring their whole selves to work, because the ultimate reward for inclusivity, diversity and equality in the workplace is a thriving workforce and a growing, innovative business. What are some of the ways companies can advocate bringing one’s whole self to work?

Mercer’s 2018 research on Global Talent Trends tells us some significant things about that. We know, for example, that

- A growing number of employees are seeking jobs that provide a deep sense of meaning, purpose and impact, and thus speak to their whole selves

- About one third of employers are focused on building inclusive behaviors

- About one quarter provide physical workplace inclusion – such as prayer rooms, transgender-friendly bathrooms, and lactation rooms

- In companies with thriving employees (those whose workers say they provide a sense of meaning and purpose, thus enhancing productivity and innovation)

• 71% encourage internal job mobility, with lateral job movement prevalent in 63% of them
• 61% offer rotational programs as a core people development strategy

Still, there’s a long way to go. Asking, “What does it mean to bring your whole self to work?” is an important step on the journey toward a shared, successful future, one in which we truly value the contributions and character of every employee.

“ Bringing our whole selves to work means showing up authentically, leading with humility, and remembering that we’re all vulnerable, imperfect human beings doing the best we can. It’s also about having the courage to take risks, speak up, ask for help, connect with others in a genuine way, and allow ourselves to be truly seen.” — Mike Robbins (@mikedrobbins), author Bring Your Whole Self to Work .