How to Be Authentic at Work and Why It’s Important

Do you ever feel like you’re living two versions of yourself: the “you” at work and the “you” at home? If so, you’re not alone. According to a 2023 Deloitte study, 60% of respondents said that they downplayed parts of their identity at work in the past year, which is roughly the same as the 61% who reported doing so a decade earlier.

While this is common, not feeling able to bring your authentic self to work can lead to stress, burnout, and disengagement. The good news? Learning how to be authentic at work, in a way that’s appropriate and professional, can transform your job satisfaction, relationships, and career growth.

In this article, we’ll explore what authenticity at work really means, why it matters, and how to be authentic at work with real examples of authenticity in the workplace that you can apply right away.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does it really mean to be my authentic self at work?”—the answer comes down to alignment. It’s when your actions, values, and words are consistent, whether you’re speaking with your manager, a client, or your team.

Authenticity at work means showing up as your true self, while still respecting professional boundaries and company culture. In other words, being authentic doesn’t mean oversharing your personal life or speaking without a filter. It means being genuine and self-aware in how you communicate and make decisions.

When you know how to be authentic at work, you create stronger relationships, perform better, and feel more fulfilled. Here are three key reasons why authenticity at work pays off.

The average person spends over 90,000 hours working in their lifetime. As a result, many people search for meaningful, fulfilling jobs and careers. 

If you’re not able to bring your authentic self to your work, however, you may end up staying in a job you dislike. You’ll be disconnected from what makes you happy and miss the signs that it’s time to leave, like the fact that you’re not enjoying the projects you’ve been working on.

Authenticity at work goes beyond earning a paycheck. It’s about feeling connected to your purpose and using your unique strengths to make an impact in the world.

Authenticity is especially important for leaders and managers, who set the tone for their teams. When leaders demonstrate authenticity in how they handle themselves at work, it fosters a culture of high-quality results with confident and motivated employees.

Confidence and authenticity are most effective when they feel genuine. When staff trust that their leaders are showing their true selves, they’re more likely to act authentically as well. Hidden agendas and unspoken tactics naturally fade in such an environment.

Give yourself and your team permission to be authentic in their careers and daily interactions. When employees see leaders sharing ideas that don’t always hit the mark or struggling with a project, they’ll feel safe doing the same. By embracing authenticity yourself, you encourage your employees to do so as well.

If you need help empowering your leaders to inspire greater authenticity, trust, and engagement with their teams, click below to learn all about our Careerminds leadership coaching and talent development solutions.

Building long-term, valuable relationships is essential for success in business, whether you’re advancing your career or starting a venture. These relationships are stronger and more lasting when you show up as your true self.

Authenticity in networking helps create reciprocal, mutually rewarding professional partnerships rather than connections driven by self-interest. By being honest about who you are, where you are in your career, and what you’re looking for, you’ll naturally attract opportunities and connections. Often, the right doors open seemingly out of nowhere when you authentically represent yourself.

Knowing why authenticity matters is one thing, but how do you actually bring your authentic self to work? Here are four practical examples of authenticity in the workplace that allow you to balance honesty with professionalism.

Being authentic but professional starts with self-awareness. Know your values, strengths, and how others perceive you. Then, find small ways to express who you are.

For example, share your hobbies, interests, or preferred work styles during team meetings. This helps colleagues connect with you as a person, not just as a job title.

Authenticity doesn’t mean saying everything you think. The goal is to be open, not to overshare. You can show up honestly while remaining respectful and emotionally neutral in professional settings.

If you’re wondering how to be less intense at work, try pausing before responding and asking yourself, “Is what I’m about to share helpful, or just personal?” That simple question can help you stay grounded and effective.

Authentic professionals are honest with themselves and with others. If you miss a deadline or make a mistake, own it. If you don’t know something, ask for help.

This kind of transparency builds trust. The best leaders acknowledge gaps in their knowledge and bring in others to fill them, rather than pretending to know everything, which can create blind spots.

Instead of saying, “Everything’s fine,” try saying, “I’m running behind, but will adjust my process for next time.”

Bring your authentic self to every part of your career, whether it’s casual conversations in the lunchroom or networking events with local organizations. 

Encourage others to do the same by creating a welcoming environment, sharing your perspective when it adds value, and being open to new ideas. 

Take stock of where you are, where you want to go, and how you can stay true to yourself at every step along the way.

Whether you’re a new hire or a seasoned leader, practicing authenticity can help you build a meaningful and resilient career. Take small steps each day to show up as your true self and encourage others to do the same.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Many employees report that they downplay or hide parts of themselves at work.
• Authenticity at work means aligning your actions, values, and words while respecting professional boundaries and company culture.
• Being authentic can help you find meaningful work that aligns with your purpose and strengths, not just your paycheck.
• Leaders who model authenticity foster trust and confidence among their teams.
• Authenticity strengthens long-term professional relationships and attracts opportunities naturally.
• Practical ways for how to be authentic at work:
  • Share who you are selectively with values, strengths, interests, or hobbies.
  • Use discretion; being authentic doesn’t mean oversharing.
  • Tell the truth, even when it’s difficult.
  • Encourage others to be authentic by creating a safe, open, and welcoming environment.

If your organization wants its leaders to show up authentically and inspire their teams to do the same, click below to speak with a Careerminds expert and learn more about our leadership coaching and development programs.