Silicon Valley billionaire Marc Andreessen has harsh advice for employees who want to bring their ‘whole self’ to work: Don’t. “Leave your full self at home where it belongs and act like a professional and a grownup at work,” Andreessen says. This advice comes as many workplaces have come down hard on employees who they don’t think act professionally.
For instance, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg recently fired employees who were abusing the company’s $25 in-office meal stipend, having meals delivered to their homes. And Owl Labs released a study in which 45% of U.S. employees said they would avoid going into the office because of political opinions expressed by their colleagues.
While Harvard Business School professor David Maister, says, “Professional is not a label you give yourself – it’s a description you hope others will apply to you,” I respectfully disagree. I believe that many people in older generations hope to be viewed as professional, but I don’t agree that’s a hope of younger workers.
And herein lies the problem: the world has changed. One of the main reasons for this shift is the changing attitudes toward work and career among Millennials and Gen-Z. To the dismay of ‘old-school’ leaders, these generations care more about work-life balance, flexibility, casual dress, and convenience.
So what if an employee wears flip-flops to work? Does it really matter? Experts say it does as a professional employee is an engaged employee, and we all know how critical engagement is. Also, when a person acts professionally, there tends to be less conflict, negativity, confusion, and frustration in the workplace.
Need a dose of professionalism on your team or in your organization? Then check out these Seven Helpful Ways to Address Lack of Professionalism in the Workplace. Although not everyone agrees that professionalism is important, it will continue to be until a Millennial or Gen Z occupies every corner office.