Survey shows many adopt ‘work personality’ in the job
NEARLY three-quarters of employees in Ireland admit to having a ‘work personality’ that is different from how they interact with family or friends, according to research carried out by tech unicorn Workhuman.
The Pollfish survey of 1,000 full-time employees in Ireland was commissioned by Workhuman to gain insights into attitudes and connections in the workplace.
When asked why they have adopted a different persona, 57 per cent admitted that they don’t want to be their true selves around colleagues, while 52 per cent 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 – 84 per cent of respondents feel more engaged, while 88 per cent feel it helps them to be more productive.
However, having a work personality makes 53 per cent of employees feel less connected to their colleagues.
Despite this, Workhuman’s research also found that the majority of employees in Ireland are seeking meaningful connections, and over half of respondents have had a major life event or milestone go unnoticed in the workplace.
The recognition of people’s personal achievements unrelated to work, can also be a big moral boost, according to the research. 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 how each individual chooses to interact and make the right channels and social occasions available to them.”
Co-founded in 1999 by CEO Eric Mosley, who is from Glenview in Tallaght, Workhuman is co-headquartered in Massachusetts and in Dublin 12, where it employs 600 people in Park West.
