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Bringing your 'whole self' to work

Does sharing your personal politics, beliefs and vulnerabilities create a happier, more inclusive workplace, or is it a recipe for conflict? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

It’s become the mantra of many employers, and the expectation of some employees, but what does bringing your whole or authentic self to work actually mean, and should companies encourage it?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the pros and cons of a workplace culture in which staff share their personal beliefs, politics and vulnerabilities with colleagues. What impact does it have on employee satisfaction and business productivity? And, at a time of great political and cultural polarisation, how do you prevent the ‘whole self’ ethos stirring up trouble?

Evan is joined by:

Nana Berchie, global people director for diversity, belonging and human rights, Arcadis;
Octavius Black, founder and CEO, The Mind Gym;
Kate Palmer, employment services director, Peninsula UK;
Sophia Luu, freelance design researcher and founder of Secrets Worth Sharing.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett
Editor: Matt Willis
Sound: Rod Farquhar
Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

(Picture: A woman hiding behind her laptop. Credit: Getty Images)

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Mon 22 Jan 2024 11:30

Broadcasts

  • Thu 18 Jan 2024 20:30
  • Mon 22 Jan 2024 11:30

Podcast