The myth of bringing your whole self to work

Mike Robbins coined the phrase “bring your whole self to work” in a 2015 TEDx Talk.

“Instead of trying to hide who we are,” he suggested, “we should show up fully, vulnerably, and authentically” at work. The concept has been said to drive engagement, increase productivity and improve well-being. 

But while the idea is moving workplace culture in the right direction, it can usher in real complications — especially after a year of exacerbated mental health struggles.

“Bringing your whole self to work” puts the onus on the individual. Really, it should be on the company to create an environment that allows our people to be themselves at work. 

The phrase has been co-opted to mean bringing your fun and positive self to work — your  passions, side hustles, entrepreneurial spirit, even birthday celebrations — while sweeping the difficult stuff, such as mental health and diversity, under the rug.