Why it is okay to not bring your whole self to work?

The idea of bringing your whole self to work suggests being able to express your authentic self, including personal values, beliefs, and identity, in the workplace. However, there are various perspectives on this, and it's not universally agreed upon that one should always bring their whole self to work.

Here are some reasons why it might be considered okay not to do so:

• Professional Boundaries: In some professional settings, maintaining a degree of separation between personal and professional life is seen as necessary. This can help establish clear boundaries and promote a focus on work-related tasks without unnecessary distractions.
• Corporate Culture: Some corporate cultures may not be conducive to the open expression of personal values or beliefs. In certain environments, there might be a preference for employees to prioritize a more neutral and professional demeanor.
• Avoiding Conflict: Sharing personal aspects such as political or religious beliefs can sometimes lead to conflicts in the workplace. To maintain a harmonious work environment, individuals may choose to keep certain personal aspects private.
• Respect for Diversity: In diverse workplaces, there can be a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. Some individuals may choose not to bring their whole selves to work to avoid potential misunderstandings or unintentionally creating discomfort for others.
• Job Security: Depending on the industry and workplace culture, there might be concerns about job security if personal aspects are openly shared. Employees may fear potential bias, discrimination, or negative consequences for expressing certain beliefs.
• Professionalism: There is a longstanding tradition of maintaining a level of professionalism in the workplace, focusing on task-related goals rather than personal matters. This approach helps ensure that the work environment remains focused and productive.

It's important to note that the concept of bringing one's whole self to work is evolving, and attitudes vary across different industries, organisations, and regions.

We asked Katy Barnes, Director of Reporting and Analytics, who offers some of her typically well-considered nuance, below.

Not to be provocative but I don’t bring my whole self to work. Does that mean that I don’t give my career 100%? Actually not having a degree till later in my career means I’ve had to work extra hard to get to where I am.

Am I an openly gay proud working-class Northerner at work? Yes, and the Colleague Success Networks at Sage empower me in that.

Do I chat and laugh hysterically at work like I do with my friends? No, because then I wouldn’t be the credible leader that I’ve worked so hard to become. So, I do what’s good for me and for Sage.