Imagine waking up and preparing for work, but instead of simply getting dressed, you put on an entirely new persona. One that in many ways chafes and disguises just as much as — if not more than — the business attire you can’t wait to shed at the end of the day. That’s the reality for many employees, who don’t feel free to bring their full, authentic selves into the office.
When an employee has to fake their emotions in the workplace, the data shows their happiness and their work will suffer. A survey of more than 5,000 workers found that 51% of people said they always or frequently have to “act” or “put on a show” and those who are “pretending” are 32% less likely to love their job. Portraying this false persona in the workplace is a job in itself — and an exhausting one.
