Less than half of employees feel able to bring their whole self to work, research finds 

Fewer than half of UK employees feel able to bring their whole self to work, despite most saying it is important to do so, according to research released ahead of My Whole Self Day 2026 (10 March 2026). 

The study from MHFA England found that while 92 per cent of employees believe bringing their whole self to work matters, only 47 per cent say they feel able to do so in practice. 

The findings suggest the gap may be affecting performance and retention. Around one in five employees (21 per cent) say they considered leaving their job in the past year, while 39 per cent report that not being able to be themselves at work affects their productivity. A further 16 per cent say they have withheld ideas or suggestions. 

The research also highlights differences between groups of employees. Women are less likely than men to feel able to bring their whole self to work, with 41 per cent saying they can, compared with 55 per cent of men. Among employees aged 18 to 24, the figure falls to 29 per cent. 

Nearly half of respondents (45 per cent) say feeling excluded at work has affected their mental health, while 27 per cent report it has reduced their confidence or motivation. 

Employees also identified practical actions they believe would improve workplace performance and inclusion. The most cited were support with workloads (44 per cent), leaders responding to individual needs (44 per cent), feeling recognised (44 per cent) and regular check-ins with managers (42 per cent). 

The research suggests there may also be a gap in management capability. Almost half of managers (45 per cent) say they are not confident in measuring psychological safety, while a third of employees (33 per cent) say better manager training would help. A further 34 per cent say leaders should role model the behaviours they expect from their teams. 

In fact, around 39 per cent say they are not comfortable discussing their mental health or wellbeing at work, while 30 per cent feel unable to talk about their physical health. A further 31 per cent say they cannot raise concerns about workload or capacity, and 40 per cent feel uncomfortable addressing issues around team behaviour or relationships. Nearly half (45 per cent) say they do not feel safe pointing out mistakes or risks, and 53 per cent feel unable to challenge decisions respectfully. The findings highlight the continuing need for psychologically safe workplace cultures where employees feel able to raise concerns, discuss wellbeing and perform at their best.

Sarah McIntosh, Chief Executive at MHFA England, said the findings highlight how workplace culture can influence both wellbeing and organisational performance. 

“When people cannot bring their whole self to work, it’s not simply a wellbeing issue – it becomes a performance and an organisational effectiveness issue. Ideas go unshared, talent leaves, and businesses lose out on the perspectives that drive innovation. 

“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.” 

Caroline von Koenig, Global Wellbeing Lead at Experian, said leaders play a key role in shaping workplace culture. 

“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. 

“Managers play a critical role in shaping day-to-day culture through empathy, trust, and inclusive leadership behaviours.” 

Katerina Cleaver, Head of Strategic Partnerships at the Chartered Management Institute, added that manager capability is central to creating psychologically safe workplaces. 

“Trained and supportive managers shape this day-to-day experience – through the conversations they encourage, the behaviours they model, and the environments they create.” 

This latest announcement comes shortly after MHFA England warned that silence around mental health in UK workplaces continues to put wellbeing and productivity at risk. In a news story highlighted by The Well Crowd, the organisation found many employees still feel unable to bring their “whole self” to work, with stigma and fear of judgement preventing open conversations about mental health. The findings underline the growing importance of workplace cultures where people feel safe to speak openly about their experiences and access support when they need it. 

MHFA England’s workplace campaign aimed at encouraging organisations to create psychologically safe environments where employees feel able to be themselves at work. 

The campaign provides employers with free resources, including toolkits and guidance designed to support conversations about wellbeing, inclusion and belonging in the workplace.