3 Reasons Why You Should Always Be Your True Self In The Workplace

Here's why you should always bring your most authentic self to work, and never any other version.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | September 16, 2024

The pressure to conform to expectations and fit into predefined roles can be incredibly overwhelming, especially at work. The good news is that you no longer have to dream about a world where you can be real at work, you can create it.

A recent study published in the Journal of Work-Applied Management that observed senior women leaders in the UK found that women in male-dominated workplaces often face pressure to conform, compromising their authenticity.

However, the study also showed that when "women had the latitude to be themselves, their leadership excelled,"—emphasizing the importance of organizational support for women to stay true to themselves. In other words, for these women, taking the "risk" of being authentic led to self-awareness, which in turn bore the fruit of enhanced performance and higher satisfaction.

"Embracing authenticity at work has not only contributed to my personal and professional growth, but it has changed everything about the way I show up," shares Nicole Swickle, founder of Honest Interactions PR, an Emmy-nominated producer and another such woman reaping the benefits of cultivating authenticity at her workplace, not just for herself but for anyone who chooses to work with her—colleague or client.

In her own words, she is dedicated to fostering authenticity in both life and work through her deeply personal approach of "emphasizing genuine connections and the unfiltered moments that shape human experiences."

Here are three reasons why replicating Swickle's authenticity-based work culture could help you grow exponentially at work.

1. Fighting Burnout And Finding Purpose

Continuously trying to meet external expectations by pretending to be someone else at work can be draining, leading to poor performance and, ultimately, burnout. Furthermore, dealing with mental health challenges while trying to maintain a polished image at work can feel like you're barely holding it together. It can be an isolating and deeply frustrating experience.

The way Swickle sees it, being open about your most vulnerable moments, especially the ones created by demanding workplaces, has the strongest potential to set you free. She illustrates this by recounting the inspiring story of one of her clients: former NFL star Aldon Smith.

"Once one of the best players in the league, Aldon saw his career derailed by substance abuse and legal trouble that led to jail time," she shares. "After turning his life around, Aldon declined an invite to return to the NFL. We're finding so much purpose in making his mess his message—sharing his struggles, come-ups and every human moment in between."

2. Authenticity Fuels Motivation, Dedication And Engagement

A 2018 study indicates that authenticity in the workplace is strongly linked to intrinsic motivation. When employees feel they can be their true selves at work, they are more likely to experience higher levels of engagement, dedication and job satisfaction.

This sense of authenticity leads to more meaningful and enjoyable work experiences, contributing to overall well-being and reducing the likelihood of burnout. Swickle recalls an early career experience that would eventually inform others of her advocacy for authenticity at the workplace:

"It was early on in my career and my boss at the time was stone cold in his communication. He perceived my light-hearted demeanor as a weakness, rather than accepting me as I was. I was young at the time, but I'd notice how he would interact with colder personalities versus those that were warmer," she shares. "I adjusted my approach to feel valued. I became a straight shooter. Life outside of the office wasn't a part of my narrative. I didn't realize it until I was removed from it, but the figurative mask I was wearing was putting more of a strain on me than I knew."

When you are being inauthentic, you are working double time. It is not difficult to see why it would be hard to feel motivated or meaningfully immersed in an environment that promotes pretentiousness or brown-nosing. Working in accordance with your strengths and weaknesses and having the space to be honest about them can catapult you through challenges you would otherwise have to white-knuckle your way out of.

3. Strategic Authenticity Improves Interpersonal Relationships

Not only does authenticity benefit individuals, but it also strengthens interpersonal relationships in the workplace and fosters stronger, more trusting connections with colleagues and clients.

Strategic authenticity is a self-presentation approach that balances being perceived as genuine while maintaining a professional image. It involves choosing behaviors like nonconformity, transparency and vulnerability, which enhance relationships and foster a positive work environment where employees feel valued.

Swickle points out how, over time, she learned that the more she shared her life—her vulnerabilities and ambitions in particular—the more people opened up to her.

"Throughout my career, I've become a magnet and a safe space for people to share just by being Nicole," she adds.

By being more open about our personal experiences, we could foster greater empathy and understanding in the workplace. For example, sharing that you're having a rough day might lead to your colleagues responding with compassion instead of reflecting on your frustration. This kind of openness can cultivate a more supportive environment, giving everyone the space to reset and recharge.

Over time, these connections, strengthened by genuine authenticity, lead to deeper relationships and a harmonious blend of personal and professional identities, resulting in greater satisfaction and more meaningful interactions at work. Another 2023 study published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management found that when leaders are honest, ethical and aware of themselves, it helps employees trust them more and feel more engaged at work.

A workplace that integrates the personal and professional isn't a utopian fantasy anymore. The journey toward an office environment that is fueled by vulnerable interactions might seem difficult due to a lack of precedents. However, once achieved, it can enable you to live and work on your own terms entirely—never again having to contend with Swickle's concluding question:

"We spend about a third of our lives at work. Who wants to spend that much time living inauthentically?"

Are your work relationships built on a foundation of authenticity? Take the Authenticity In Relationship Scale to gain clarity.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.