Workhuman research shows that nearly three-quarters of Irish employees admit to having a ‘work personality’

Workhuman®, the company revolutionising the way employees celebrate, connect with and appreciate each other in the workplace, has announced new research from its Human Workplace Index, which found that the majority of employees in Ireland have adopted ‘work personas’ for interacting with colleagues. The findings show that nearly three-quarters (73%) of employees admit that they have a ‘work personality’ that is different from how they interact with family or friends.

The survey of 1,000 full-time employees in Ireland was commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish to gain insights into attitudes and connections in the workplace. Of those who have a ‘work personality’, 49% say they ‘always’ act differently in the workplace versus how they would with family or friends. When asked why they have adopted a different persona, 57% admitted that they don’t want to be their true selves around colleagues, while 52% don’t know how to be their true selves.

The research found that this switching into ‘work mode’ is helping employees to do a good job. Some 84% of respondents with a work personality say it makes them feel more engaged at work, while 88% feel it helps them to be more productive. However, having a work personality makes 53% of employees feel less connected to their colleagues.

Some employees expressed a nervousness about being more open about themselves in their place of work. When asked how they feel about bringing their ‘whole selves’ to work and being authentic in who they are in the workplace, 17% of employees say they are uncomfortable doing so. In fact, 20% of respondents say their colleagues don’t know the real them – and 49% of those want it that way.

Workhuman’s research found that the majority of employees in Ireland are seeking meaningful connections in their workplace. Over three-quarters (78%) of those surveyed feel their workplace should provide more opportunities for people to show their true personalities, while 77% would like more social events with work colleagues such as after-work drinks and office birthday celebrations.

Workhuman’s survey found that over half (57%) of respondents have had a major life event or milestone such as a significant birthday or a new house go unnoticed or ignored in their workplace in the last 12 months. People’s personal achievements unrelated to work, including completing marathons, doing charity work, or competition wins, are recognised in 70% of respondents’ organisations, and 65% of those say that it improves workplace morale.

David Burke, Senior Director, Global Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding at Workhuman, said: “Our research shows that employees are drawing a clear line between work and their personal lives. While adopting a work persona is helping people to be engaged and productive at work, it can have an impact on team collaboration. Clearly, there is a desire among employees to be more at ease with their colleagues. The key is not to force people to become an open book, but to be receptive to however each individual chooses to interact and make the right channels and social occasions available to them.

“Employees need to feel valued as a whole person and be recognised and celebrated for their achievements outside of work, and it’s heartening to see that so many organisations in Ireland are celebrating the personal milestones and life events of their employees. As we spend large amounts of our time at work, it is vital that employees feel at ease around their colleagues, which will contribute to a happier and more well-rounded workforce.”

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