The Dangers of Conformity in The Workplace

by Sam Levine

Too much of the same is never a good thing, especially in the workforce: homogenous teams are more likely to think similarly, take fewer risks, and even make flawed decisions. Building a more diverse team, on the other hand, can bring together a wider variety of perspectives, skillsets, experiences, and backgrounds.

What is workplace conformity?

When people feel excluded, different, or alone in the workplace, they sometimes feel the pressure to conform to socially accepted standards and expectations in order to better fit in. This can have a negative impact both on the employee and your business.

What is workplace exclusion? 

Workplace exclusion is the act of purposely or unintentionally leaving someone out, emotionally or physically. It is a form of workplace bullying, although it can be hard to identify.

Why is workplace exclusion bad and how can it lead to a culture of conformity? 

A sense of belonging is a core human need. Research shows that our brain responds to a lack of belonging the same way it does to physical pain.

So, what is the alternative? 

Building a culture in which every employee feels seen, heard, and valued is no small task, but when done right, you can kiss workplace conformity goodbye and reap the benefits of a company culture that brings people together, not apart.