Written by Brittany Clausen, MSW
Today, let's explore the traditional notion of "professionalism" and how it impacts our health and well-being. Often, what is deemed professional encapsulates systemic norms that might not only stifle our personal expression but can also lead to personal stress and decreased job satisfaction.
Unpacking Professionalism and Its Impacts
The concept of "professionalism" often carries a set of expectations that don't necessarily align with everyone's authentic self. These standards, deeply entrenched in systemic oppression, tend to reflect and prioritize the norms of dominant cultural or societal groups, marginalizing those who do not conform (Sue, D. W. et al., 2007). This misalignment can be more than just an issue of cultural fit—it can deeply impact one's mental and emotional health. The need to continuously code-switch and conform to traditional definitions of professionalism can have significant physiological implications. Constantly adapting one's behavior and suppressing one's authentic self can lead to chronic stress, which is known to trigger a range of physiological responses. These include increased heart rate, elevated levels of cortisol, and heightened inflammation. Over time, chronic stress can lead to serious health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune function (Kemeny, 2003; McEwen, 2004).
Moreover, the psychological strain of maintaining a professional facade that conflicts with one's identity can exacerbate mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. The cognitive dissonance and emotional labor involved in this act can drain mental resources, leaving individuals feeling exhausted and burnt out, a state that can have direct negative effects on physical health, including disrupted sleep patterns and reduced energy levels (Hochschild, 1983; Maslach & Leiter, 2008).
Emphasizing the importance of understanding these physiological and psychological impacts, organizations are encouraged to redefine professionalism to support health and well-being. By fostering an environment where employees can be their authentic selves, companies not only enhance individual well-being but also improve overall organizational health.
Why We Should Embrace Individuality in Professional Settings
Embracing individuality enhances psychological safety, where everyone feels free to express their thoughts and ideas without fear of negative consequences. This sense of safety is associated with higher levels of engagement, increased creativity, and better problem-solving abilities within teams (Edmondson, 1999). It also promotes a stronger alignment with one's work role, leading to greater job satisfaction and personal fulfillment, as employees feel that they can bring their whole selves to work (Roberts, 2005).
Thus, by valuing and encouraging individuality, organizations not only improve their employees' health and psychological well-being but also enhance their overall productivity and innovation. This holistic approach to employee wellness can transform workplace dynamics, leading to a more vibrant, dynamic, and successful organization.
How to Navigate Professionalism While Prioritizing Health
Here are a few tips I've found useful for promoting healthier, more inclusive workplaces:
Authentic Interactions: Let's create a space where everyone feels safe to be themselves. This reduces the exhaustion of constantly trying to fit a particular image and builds genuine connections.
Mindful Communication: It's important to practice active listening and respectful dialogue. This not only aids in reducing misunderstandings but also strengthens team dynamics.
Self-Care as a Priority: I encourage all to integrate self-care into their daily routines. Whether it's mindfulness practices, regular physical activity, or ensuring you have time to unwind, taking care of your emotional and physical health is crucial.
Educational Growth: Continuing education on diversity and inclusion can help break down barriers and enrich our understanding, making our workspaces more accepting and adaptable.
In essence, while maintaining professionalism is important, we must critically evaluate what that means and how it aligns with our values and health. At Envision Greatness, we believe in a professionalism that embraces individuality and fosters a supportive, healthy work environment. I invite you to redefine professionalism on your own terms and live within your own truth.
By being mindful of your own professional practices and assessing suppressed emotions, thoughts and behaviors at work, you can improve your overall well-being and invite others to do the same. Let's continue to push for a workplace that truly values diversity and health equally.
Resources:
Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350-383.
Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The Managed Heart: Commercialization of Human Feeling. University of California Press.
Kemeny, M. E. (2003). The psychobiology of stress. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 12(4), 124-129.
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2008). The truth about burnout: How organizations cause personal stress and what to do about it. Jossey-Bass.
McEwen, B. S. (2004). Protection and damage from acute and chronic stress: Allostasis and allostatic overload and relevance to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1032, 1-7.
Roberts, L. M. (2005). Changing faces: Professional image construction in diverse organizational settings. Academy of Management Review, 30(4), 685-711.
Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62(4), 271-286.).
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