Marvin OnumonuAlmost half (44%) of workers said they could not be themselves at work, according to research from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England for My Whole Self Day 2026.
The study found 92% of employees said bringing their whole self to work was important, with benefits including higher productivity, stronger retention and more ideas.
44% wanted support with workloads, 44% wanted leaders to respond to individual needs, 44% wanted to feel recognised and 42% wanted regular check-ins.
Women were less likely than men to feel they could bring their whole self to work (41% compared to 55%), while only 29% of those aged 18 to 24 felt able to do so.
39% said that not being themselves at work held back their productivity and 16% had held back ideas or suggestions for the same reason.
A third (33%) of employees said better manager training would help, while 34% wanted leaders to visibly role model the culture they expected teams to follow.
45% of managers said they wanted to build more confidence but needed support.
Sarah McIntosh, CEO of MHFA England, said: “Employees are clear about what would make a difference, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
“Much of it comes down to managers being confident and skilled enough to understand the whole person and what they need to perform at their best.
“We know leaders are under real pressure, but often it’s the quality of small, daily interactions that make the biggest difference to creating psychologically safe cultures.”
McIntosh added: “My Whole Self Day is an opportunity for more organisations to take action.”
Caroline von Koenig, global wellbeing lead at Experian, said: “At Experian, the wellbeing of our people is essential to our success as a company, and we recognise that good wellbeing is key to employee growth and business performance.
“We acknowledge the importance of fostering a psychologically safe workplace, for our people and the communities we serve.
“When people feel valued and supported, it’s not only better for wellbeing; it’s essential for sustainable performance and long-term success.”
Katerina Cleaver, head of strategic partnerships at the Chartered Management Institute, said: “At the Chartered Management Institute, we believe psychologically safe and inclusive workplace cultures are fundamental to healthy, high-performing organisations.
“When people feel able to bring their whole selves to work, they are more engaged, more innovative and more likely to thrive.
“The research highlighting gaps between intention and lived experience reinforces the role managers play.”
Cleaver added: “Trained and supportive managers shape this day-to-day experience – through the conversations they encourage, the behaviours they model, and the environments they create.
“Initiatives like My Whole Self Day are invaluable for prompting honest dialogue about wellbeing and belonging, and for equipping managers with the confidence and capability to foster workplaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and able to succeed.”
Adrian Goddard, commercial director at the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals, said: “Psychologically safe, inclusive cultures matter to the CIPP because the pay professions operate in high-pressure environments where accuracy, compliance and judgement are critical.
“These standards thrive when people feel respected, heard and able to contribute without fear.
“As the professional body for pay, the CIPP must model the culture it champions across the industry; the CIPP cannot amplify expertise externally, if inclusion and trust are not evident internally.”
Goddard added: “Managers at the CIPP play a pivotal role in shaping day-to-day culture through their tone, behaviours, and consistency, encouraging colleagues to bring their whole selves to work, strengthening engagement and elevating standards.”
Dr Macarena Staudenmaier, head of clinical product and operations at Simplyhealth, said: “The findings highlight a clear opportunity for employers: When managers have the confidence and skills to understand the whole person behind the job title, performance and wellbeing improve together.
“The fact that so many people are still unable to be themselves at work has real consequences, from reduced productivity to stress-related absence that ultimately costs the economy billions each year.
“At Simplyhealth, we believe prevention starts with everyday interactions.”
Staudenmaier added: “Creating psychologically safe, inclusive cultures is a vital first step, but culture alone cannot remove life’s pressures.
“Employees need to feel able, and actively encouraged, to access help when they need it.
“Whether that’s mental health coaching, work and life coaching, or wider health services.
“When open, supportive relationships are combined with accessible health services, difficult periods become far more manageable and people are better able to thrive, at work and at home.”
