Being open about disability in the workplace
By Liz Lockhart
Keeping quiet about your true identity at work can lead to decreased job satisfaction and a higher turnover of staff, according to a 
new research study.
Hiding your true identity from colleagues includes keeping quiet about such matters as mental and physical disability, age, religion, sexual orientation and gender according to researchers.
The study was conducted by Rice University, the University of Houston and George Mason University. The study is called ‘Bringing Social Identity to Work’ and is published in the Cultural diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology journal.
Co-author of the study, Michelle Hebl says ‘The workplace is becoming a much more diverse place, but there are still some individuals who have difficulty embracing what makes them different, especially while on the job. Previous research suggests that employees who perceive discrimination or are afraid of receiving discrimination are more likely to fall into this category of individuals who feel the need to supress or conceal their identity.’
There were 211 working adult participants whose behaviour was studied by the researchers using an online survey. The researchers measured factors which included identity, perceived discrimination, job satisfaction and any intentions of turnover such as changing their job.
‘This research highlights the fact that people make decisions every day about whether it is safe to be themselves at work, and that there are real consequences of these decisions,’ said Eden King of Rice University and co-author of the study.
Another study finding suggests that supressing one’s true identity might result in exposure to co-workers’ discrimination. This is because people are less likely to care about appearing prejudiced when they are not in the company of an ‘out’ group member. The study found that quite the reverse occurs and that the expression of one’s true identity in the workplace can have a positive impact on interpersonal relationships.
Juan Madera of the University of Houston and lead study author said ‘When individuals embrace their social identity in the workplace, other co-workers might be more sensitive to their behaviour and treatment of individuals like them. And quite often, what’s good for the worker is good for the workplace. The employees feel accepted and have better experiences with co-workers, which creates a positive working environment that may lead to decreased turnover and greater profits.’
The researchers hope that this may encourage employers to implement policies which encourage a positive organisational culture. They also hope that their research will encourage the public to be accepting of people with diverse backgrounds and become their friends and allies.
Hebl said ‘I think this study really demonstrates that everyone can have a role in making the workplace more inclusive. Individuals tell co-workers, who can as allies and react positively, and organisations can instate protective and inclusive organisational policies. All of these measures will continue to change the landscape and diversity of our workforce.’
For those of us who have a mental health disorder it can be hard to be open about it in the workplace as this can lead to discrimination. It would be a positive step to be able to disclose any such condition in the knowledge that both colleagues and employers would react positively, without bias and with understanding and consideration.
