Workers hide true selves in ‘Severance’-style work-life balance: Zety
GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — The modern workplace often demands that employees maintain a separate “work identity,” with 60% of workers believing it is essential for career success, according to Zety’s latest Workplace Identity Report.
The study, which surveyed 1,000 employees on March 21 using Pollfish, underscores the growing divide between personal authenticity and professional expectations in modern workplaces.
The report highlights that many employees feel compelled to suppress aspects of their personal identity to fit into workplace norms. This pressure often leads to emotional strain, with some even expressing interest in a radical solution inspired by the TV show Severance.
“Inspired by the show’s premise, in which employees undergo a medical procedure to erase memories of their job outside of work and vice versa, the study uncovers that many workers are already experiencing a real-world version of this divide, often at the expense of their well-being and authenticity,” Zety said.
Pressure to hide personal identity
The survey found that 64% of respondents intentionally conceal parts of their personal lives at work. Workers reported feeling the most pressure when it came to sharing personal beliefs or values, such as political views, religion, or sexual orientation (18%). Other areas frequently hidden include topics of conversation (15%), appearance (14%), and demeanor (14%).
Gender and race also play a role in workplace conformity, with 44% of respondents stating these factors influence how much employees feel the need to adapt their behavior. One in six workers admitted they feel direct pressure from their employer to present a different personality at work.
‘Severance’-style work-life split gains appeal
Thirty-five percent of workers said they would consider “severing” their work and personal identities if it were possible. Women (56%) and Gen Z employees (33%) were among the groups most likely to support this idea. The primary motivators for such a drastic measure include improving work-life balance (16%) and escaping toxic work environments (12%).
The need for change
The data paints a concerning picture of workplace culture, where authenticity often takes a backseat to conformity. With nearly half of respondents reporting that work has negatively impacted their personal lives, the findings call for employers to prioritize psychological safety and foster environments where employees feel valued for their true selves.
“With a majority feeling pressure to conform and over a third willing to ‘sever’ their work identity entirely, the data underscores the emotional toll of workplace expectations,” Zety added.
“As companies continue to navigate evolving work cultures, fostering environments where authenticity is valued could be key to improving job satisfaction and mental health among employees.”
