Permission to bring your authentic self to work has been shown to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover rates. However, around 40% of nonprofit employees still grapple with this question and doubt whether they can show their true selves at the office, highlighting a significant area for potential improvement in workplace culture.
In this session, Susan McPherson, CEO of McPherson Strategies, author of the “Lost Art of Connecting” and contributor to the Harvard Business Review on this topic offers guidance on what leaders can do to create a healthy and safe environment that celebrates authenticity. Jodi-Ann Burey, who provided a TEDx talk titled “The Myth of Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work” and author of the forthcoming book ‘Authentic’ provides a counterpoint, suggesting that authenticity in the workplace is not safe for everyone. This moderated discussion will address issues underlying both views to suggest a productive and evolved workplace model.