Authenticity in Remote Work

Working from home has become a norm for many of us, but how do we ensure everyone feels comfortable being their true selves in this virtual world? Does it even matter if people can be real in virtual environments? 

Authenticity Matters

It turns out that bringing your full self to work is not just good for individuals - it deeply impacts retention and performance, time and again:

• The Harvard Business Review reports that employees who feel they can be themselves at work are 42% less likely to plan on leaving their job.

• Research from Catalyst shows that employees who feel included are “more likely to go above and beyond” their job responsibilities, contributing to a 70% increase in engagement.

• According to a Deloitte study, organizations with inclusive cultures are six times more likely to be innovative and agile.

• A study by Gallup found that companies with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable.

But How

When we lack in-person connection, we might think it’s impossible to allow people to be their real selves. However, there are easy ways to help people feel comfortable and connected in virtual environments. Here are some simple tips you can integrate at work to help create a space where everyone can be authentic.

Promote Open Communication

• Encourage open conversations to ensure everyone feels heard. Sometimes, this will be through all-hands in synced environments, but group chats can also be utilized for these purposes.

• Use tools like video calls, chat platforms, and virtual meeting rooms to keep communication flowing.  Constant pings and rings aren’t the goal; at the same time, if it’s radio silent all day, that could be a sign that people don’t feel comfortable speaking up.

Foster Inclusivity

• Inclusivity is key! Ensure all voices are heard and valued. As a leader, celebrate others' ideas and input. Avoid always mentioning the same people and creating a clique.

• Set up regular check-ins, use anonymous feedback systems, and create affinity groups for shared interests or backgrounds. This takes bravery as a leader, but it will reap dividends.

• Celebrate different cultures and viewpoints to make everyone feel appreciated. Recognizing heritage months, affinity groups and other celebrations externally and internally helps your team to feel included.

Provide Psychological Safety

• Make sure people feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment. We recommend reading the book Radical Candor as a team and discussing how to apply its principles.

• Leaders can build this by listening actively, showing empathy, and addressing any discrimination or exclusion right away. Good leaders are willing to take the backseat as their teams develop a sense of ownership and safety.  Be a good leader.

Encourage Work-Life Balance

•  A healthy work-life balance is essential. Encourage your team to use their PTO and celebrate their interests and connections outside of work.  Create safe space for people to disclose their non-work lives at a level where they feel comfortable.

• Offer flexible working hours and respect personal time to help avoid burnout. This is one of the great benefits of remote work—people can attend to other aspects of their lives with greater ease than when they have long commutes. Set norms about block times and work expectations, and extend trust to your team the rest of the time—make the work getting done the highest priority.

• Employees who feel their personal lives are respected are more likely to bring their full selves to work.  Do not underestimate the importance of letting people show up as whole people.

Leverage Technology Thoughtfully

• Use technology to build personal connections. We think the crews at Doist and Twist are doing great work in this area!

• Try virtual team-building activities, social hours, and collaborative projects.  Remember to make non-work events optional or build team-building into the work day if you want 100% participation.  Don’t require people to sacrifice their personal time for team exercises.

By fostering open communication, inclusivity, psychological safety, and a good work-life balance, and using technology wisely, we can create virtual workplaces where everyone feels free to be their authentic selves. This not only makes work more enjoyable but also boosts creativity and profitability for the whole team!

What have you learned about remote work as a leader? Leave us a comment below.

Are you facing challenges related to remote work? Join an Aspire Cohort hosted by the Collaborative Collective and discover breakthrough. Need support on something else? We'd love to help; book us here, and Let's Collab!