As a quick note before diving in, if you have a workplace that celebrates different identities, ways of showing up at work, and welcomes difference & diversity - this article isn't for you. In this article, we challenge the narrowed and harmful definition of 'professionalism' that aims to restrict personal expression.
In this two-part blog series, we aim to delve into the follow areas:
Part 1: Understanding ‘Professionalism’ Today [click here]
Explore the History: We consider the historical roots of ‘professionalism’ in Canada. We look at its ties to colonization, white supremacy and dominance to help us understand the origins of today's rules and norms in the workplace.
Part 2: How ‘Professionalism’ Impacts Mental Health [this post]
Connect ‘Professionalism’ to Marginalization: We'll examine how adhering to “professional standards” often leads to the marginalization of various people and communities and not others.
Understand the Mental Health Impacts: We'll explore the connection between identity suppression due to ‘professionalism’ and its effects on mental health & wellbeing.
Let’s dive into Part 2: How ‘Professionalism’ Impacts Mental Health...
In many workplaces, 'professionalism' is wielded as a gatekeeping tool. As a former Director, I often saw 'professionalism' yielded as a tool for marginalization. It sets a standard that often aligns with the norms and values of dominant groups (e.g., whiteness), thereby marginalizing those who don't fit into these narrowly defined expectations.
In Canada, as in many parts of the world, 'professionalism' is often equated with certain behaviors and appearances deemed acceptable in the workplace. These include:
Dress Code: Conventional professional attire often leans towards Western business standards – suits, ties, and formal dresses. This expectation can marginalize individuals who may dress differently due to cultural, religious, or personal reasons, implicitly signaling that their traditional attire is not 'professional.'
Communication Style: Politeness, indirect communication, and a focus on written correspondence are seen as professional. However, this norm can disadvantage those whose first language is not English or who come from cultures with different communication styles, potentially leading to misunderstandings and undervaluation of their contributions (e.g., being seen as the ‘difficult employee’ for communicating feedback directly with a colleague).
Punctuality and Time Management: Being on time and managing deadlines effectively are considered professional traits. However, this standard often overlooks the varying contexts and challenges individuals may face, such as those with caregiving responsibilities or those who rely on public transportation.
Work Ethic and Capitalism: The emphasis on productivity, often equated with long working hours, is deeply rooted in capitalist values. This expectation can disproportionately affect those who balance work with other responsibilities or who value work-life balance differently due to cultural or personal reasons.
These standards often overlook the diverse life experiences and values of employees, perpetuating a monocultural view of ‘professionalism’ (i.e., let’s all be the exact same) that doesn't accurately reflect Canada's multicultural society.
The Mental Health Toll of Conforming to 'Professionalism'
The impact of adhering to "professional standards" extends beyond career navigation and significantly affects individual mental health. Their is a mental toll to 'imposter syndrome,' which is particularly prevalent among marginalized identities. This often leads to mental exhaustion and anxiety, as individuals feel they must constantly prove their worth in professional settings.
Moreover, concealing or altering aspects of one’s identity to meet professional norms can lead to a loss of authenticity. This suppression of our authentic self can negatively impact our mental well-being and self-worth. The need to mask one's true identity not only diminishes self-esteem but also creates an internal conflict that can be mentally taxing.
'Professionalism,' while it may seem subtle in its execution, has a profound impact on overall health and well-being. To illustrate this point, let's consider a transgender employee, Shondra, who reports experiencing increased worry and hypervigilance due to the pressure to conform to gender norms at work:
The strict adherence to 'professionalism' standards further compounded Shondra's challenges. The workplace's dress code, designed without consideration for diverse gender expressions, forced Shondra into a narrow definition of femininity, suppressing her self-expression. The conventional communication style, often steeped in heteronormative assumptions, left Shondra feeling excluded from casual conversations, reinforcing the isolation she felt (e.g., it's okay to talk about my monogamous relationship, but not okay to talk about my polyamorous relationships). Punctuality and time management took on a different meaning for Shondra. Every delayed arrival or extended break seemed magnified, as if her actions were always representative of how every 'transgender person acts.' This heightened scrutiny intensified her awareness of being "different" in her workplace as she always felt she had to represent every transgender person.
This example highlight the significant mental health implications of conforming to conventional 'professionalism.' These experiences are amplified when you hold marginalized identities. They underscore the need for more inclusive and flexible professional standards that recognize and celebrate diversity in the workplace.
The pressure to fit into a professional mold often forces individuals to suppress parts of their identity, leading to chronic stress and anxiety. The emotional toll of navigating professional spaces can lead to burnout and a sense of alienation, highlighting the need for supportive and inclusive workplace cultures.
Navigating 'Professionalism' with Marginalized Identities
For those experiencing marginalization in the workplace, navigating 'professionalism' can be uniquely challenging and distressing. Embracing strategies to maintain authenticity and well-being while confronting systemic barriers is essential. You are not alone in this struggle for authenticity. Here are some approaches to consider:
Understanding and Leveraging Policies: Familiarize yourself with your organization's policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Understanding these can provide a framework for advocating for your rights and identifying available support structures.
Building a Support Network: Cultivate a network of allies and mentors within or outside your organization. This network can offer advice, emotional support, and act as a sounding board for your experiences.
Documenting Experiences: Keep a record of instances where you feel marginalized (e.g., copies of emails, noting down interactions (date, time, who was present)). This documentation can be valuable for understanding patterns, preparing for discussions with HR or lawyers, or taking formal action if needed.
Engaging in Wellness Activities: Prioritize your mental and physical health. Engage in activities that foster well-being, such as mindfulness, exercise, or hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.
Embracing Your Anger: Anger is your friend. Someone once told me it's the closest emotion that will speak up first when something unjust is happening. Often anger is painted as a bad thing, but getting in touch with your anger is an incredibly helpful tool when facing discrimination.
Advocating for Change: When safe, use your voice to advocate for change for yourself or for others. This might involve participating in employee resource groups, providing feedback on inclusivity initiatives, or even leading small-scale change efforts within your team.
By adopting these strategies, individuals who face marginalization can better navigate the complexities of 'professionalism,' advocate for their needs, and contribute to fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. These approaches underscore the importance of personal agency and resilience in challenging and reshaping traditional norms of professionalism.
Action & Reflection
Now that we've looked at how 'professionalism' can be a tool for unfairness at work, it's time to take charge and make things better. The injustice is clear and 'professionalism' can sometimes be used against you. Let's take some time to consider your empowerment. This section is all about reflecting on the real workplace challenges you are facing and considering opportunities for advocacy and change. So, let's dive into some actions and reflections that not only help you but also start chipping away at the unfairness in workplaces.
Personal Experience:
How does the concept of 'professionalism' resonate with your own experiences in the workplace? Have you ever felt pressured to conform to certain professional standards that may not align with your personal identity or values?
Mental Health Impact:
Reflect on the mental health implications discussed in the article. Can you recall instances where adherence to professional norms affected your mental well-being or that of your colleagues?
Intersectionality:
Consider the example of Shondra, the transgender employee. How do multiple aspects of identity (gender, sexuality, disability, race, etc.) intersect with the challenges she faced in conforming to 'professionalism?'
Inclusive Policies:
How well do you think your organization addresses professional inclusion in its policies? Are there specific areas where improvements can be made to create a more inclusive environment?
Support Networks:
Reflect on the importance of building a support network, as suggested in the article. How can allies and mentors contribute to a more inclusive workplace culture?
Have you witnessed or experienced the positive impact of support networks in navigating challenges related to 'professionalism?'
Documentation and Advocacy:
Consider the suggestion to document instances of marginalization. How might this documentation be useful in fostering change or addressing systemic issues within a workplace?
In what ways can individuals safely advocate for change, and what challenges might they face in doing so?
Embracing Anger:
Explore the idea of anger as a tool when facing discrimination. How can acknowledging and channeling anger be a constructive force for change in the workplace?
Advocacy for Change:
Reflect on your own capacity to advocate for change within your workplace (here is an article about navigating a bad boss). Are there opportunities for you to use your voice to promote inclusivity and challenge traditional norms of 'professionalism?'
How can individuals balance advocating for change while navigating potential risks in their professional environment?
In wrapping up our exploration of Unmasking 'Professionalism,' remember this: change might not happen overnight, but every small action counts. By reflecting on the challenges discussed and taking steps towards a more inclusive workplace, you're contributing to a future where authenticity and diversity thrive. Progress often comes from those brave enough to challenge the status quo.
Whether you're advocating for yourself or others, each effort, no matter how small, makes a meaningful impact. Keep pushing boundaries, keep embracing your authenticity, and keep envisioning a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. The journey towards change begins with you, and we're here cheering you on every step of the way. Let's continue this collective effort to reshape 'professionalism' and create a workplace that truly celebrates the richness of individual identities.
Blog Disclaimer: While every effort is made to provide valuable insights to inform and empower you, the author kindly asks readers to use their judgment and consult with professionals for their specific needs, as the author cannot be held responsible for individual interpretations or actions taken. The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
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