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Quiet Covering Stifles Innovation: Gen Z Professionals Struggle in Hybrid Work

Gen Z employees struggle to express themselves in hybrid work. To unlock innovation, leaders must foster psychologically safe workplaces.

In this picture i can see a group of people among them few are wearing uniforms. In the background...
In this picture i can see a group of people among them few are wearing uniforms. In the background i can see screen and lights on the ceiling.

Quiet Covering Stifles Innovation: Gen Z Professionals Struggle in Hybrid Work

HESA Healthcare Recruitment Agency and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Universiti Malaya are grappling with a phenomenon called 'quiet covering'. This behavior, where employees suppress aspects of their identity to fit in, is stifling innovation and authenticity, particularly among Gen Z professionals.

In hybrid or remote settings, younger employees may be hesitant to stand out, leading to a workforce that delivers expected results but rarely more. This is due to the pressure to 'tone down' their personality or avoid sharing real views to seem more professional. Quiet covering is prevalent, with employees focusing on managing their appearance rather than their work, making teams quieter and hindering innovation.

Gen Z employees, raised on authenticity and self-expression, may struggle with this behavior. They want to work in environments where they don't have to edit themselves to be accepted. However, the best ideas often come from those who see things differently, and they'll only speak up if they feel psychologically safe. Leaders should foster a culture of acceptance by welcoming and encouraging unique insights and enthusiasm.

To support authenticity and encourage diverse perspectives, creating psychologically safe workplaces is key. Both HESA Healthcare Recruitment Agency and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Universiti Malaya should strive to eliminate quiet covering. By doing so, they can unlock the full potential of their workforce, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves and contributing their best ideas.

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