A powerful trend in current thinking is the idea of bringing your whole self to work. A cursory flick through job advertisements throws up statements such as:
- “We welcome all, and seek talented individuals who can bring their whole self to work…”
- “We appreciate different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives—encouraging everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.”
However, employers should be careful that they don’t end up with more than they bargained for. Organisations have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their workforce which includes managing potential upset and conflict caused by differing views. Humans are inherently flawed and those flaws — whether indecision or impatience or a superiority complex or something else — can foster negativity, dissension, and poor morale.
Some parts of us do not belong in the workplace such as boredom, laziness, sexual feelings for colleagues, strong or controversial political or religious beliefs, vulgar language and enjoyment of large quantities of alcohol and other mind-altering substances. In these circumstances surely employers do not really want employees to bring their whole selves to work.
Instead, employees should be encouraged to bring their best selves to work because their “whole self” might not be tolerant of divergent views. Create a culture of patience and kindness and compassion.
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