In episode 118, we’re joined by Dr. David Arena to explore how people decide whether, when, and how to reveal important parts of their identity at work, especially in environments that feel unwelcoming or hostile.

Much of the research on workplace identity assumes disclosure is a simple yes‑or‑no choice. But Dr. Arena’s work shows that identity management is far more nuanced. Through two studies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual employees in the U.S. and U.K., this research highlights identity signaling: subtle, strategic behaviors people use to “test the waters” before deciding whether to stand out or blend in.

We get a little personal and discuss:

* What identity signaling looks like in everyday workplace interactions

* How employees scan their environment for cues about safety and belonging

* Why hostile work environments and everyday incivility push people to hide who they are

* The emotional exhaustion that comes from blending in and suppressing identity

* Why some employees respond to hostility by doing the opposite—standing out more defiantly

* What coworkers, managers, and leaders can do to create climates where authenticity is truly optional, not risky

Find Dr. Arena here: https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?user=david.arena

This is the paper we discussed: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/job.70073

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