It’s so much better to be ourselves than it is to hide who we are. When our values are at odds with our organization, it can be hard to feel like we’re a part of it. These days, it’s not only acceptable, but also encouraged to be who we are in our workplace. There are many benefits to being ourselves at work'promoting our identities, benefitting our organizations, and developing our local and global community.
New ideas
Being ourselves and showcasing our differences as individuals is beneficial on many levels. As individuals, we have different experiences and backgrounds that we bring to our roles. These unique experiences allow us to contribute fresh perspectives and new ideas. A large variety of ideas and perspectives give the organization the opportunity to utilize ideas and not suffer from “groupthink.” When we’re all the same and have the same ideas, nothing changes and organization stalls, so individuality plays into idea creation and productivity.
Get a raise or promotion for standing out
Standing out and being different could land that raise or exciting promotion. Employees who strive to be different and vocal about their opinions generally get rewarded for that uniqueness. Being different is a good thing! Utilizing our experiences and bringing them with us to work will help cultivate a different perspective from the norm. Employers don’t want sheep; they want people who will propel the company forward. If we’re not afraid to stand out and speak our mind, it’s likely we’ll be recognized for it.
Be the change
Having a more inclusive and welcoming workplace starts with you, the individual. There are always going to be people who are afraid to be their true selves at work. By being ourselves'in terms of cultural background, sexuality, gender, or even a penchant for wearing kooky hats'we demonstrate to others that it’s okay to be who we want to be. Everyone benefits from inclusive and non-discriminatory workplaces. The more we show others our true colours and show that it’s okay to be ourselves, the more likely they will feel open to do so.
We can all use a little more inclusiveness at home, work, and in social situations. Everyone benefits from being inclusive and welcoming to people, no matter their race, age, sexuality, or heritage. Organizations and their employees need to celebrate diversity rather then stifle it. If we feel like who we are wouldn’t be accepted at work or that we’d be discriminated against, it’s probably time to look elsewhere. We all have unique backgrounds and perspectives and the world of work would be a much better place if we celebrated and encouraged that rather than hid it.
Photo: Vold77/THINKSTOCK