You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
New research from MHFA England, released for My Whole Self Day 2026, gives employers a remarkably clear picture: employees know exactly what they need to thrive at work, and the actions that would make the biggest difference are well within reach.
The research, conducted with 2,000 working adults across the UK, reveals that 92% of employees say it's important to bring their whole self to work. When they can, the benefits flow both ways – greater productivity, stronger retention, and more ideas on the table. The opportunity for organisations that get this right is significant.
Employees are specific about what would help most:
These are everyday leadership behaviours, which is precisely what makes them so actionable.
The research points to where organisations can make the most meaningful gains. Women are less likely than men to feel they can bring their whole self to work (41% vs 55%), and among those aged 18–24, the figure is just 29%. For organisations that prioritise inclusive leadership, these groups represent a real competitive advantage waiting to be unlocked.
When people do feel able to be themselves, the difference is tangible. Right now, 39% say not being able to be themselves holds back their productivity, and 16% have held back ideas or suggestions. Shift that dynamic, and workplaces don’t just improve wellbeing – they also improve performance.
The research is clear that change starts with managers. A third of employees (33%) say better manager training would help, and 34% want leaders to visibly role model the culture they're asking their teams to adopt. The good news is that almost half of managers (45%) want to build that confidence, they just need the right support to do it.
Sarah McIntosh, Chief Executive 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. My Whole Self Day is an opportunity for more organisations to take action."
Caroline von Koenig, Global Wellbeing Lead at Experian, added:
"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. 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. 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 so many people 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. 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.”
My Whole Self Day, on Tuesday 10 March, is MHFA England's campaign for workplace culture change. It supports organisations to build psychologically safe, inclusive workplaces where people feel able to speak up, be themselves, and perform at their best.
You can access a suite of free My Whole Self resources, including toolkits and practical guides, to help managers and teams have better conversations and build stronger team dynamics. For organisations ready to go further, MHFA England's people manager training portfolio supports managers at every level to build the confidence and skills to foster high-performing, inclusive teams.
Now in its seventh year, My Whole Self has been adopted by more than 200 organisations, including Ford, the National Crime Agency, and NHS Trusts across England.