By Kaitlyn Bowman | Chief People Officer, RestoreCore
Have you ever had one of those days?
The kind where you spill coffee on your shirt on the drive to work, only to have your computer decide it needs an update five minutes before your first meeting.
Many of us are programmed to hide these faux pas and put our most professional foot forward. But somehow, being human has a way of weaving itself into even our best presentations.
While professionalism absolutely matters, making it the focus can get in the way of doing our best work.
Research highlighted in the Harvard Business Review article, “Be a Colleague That Others Can Confide In,” found that employees who feel more authentic at work report greater job satisfaction, engagement, and performance.
RestoreCore’s Talent Acquisition Manager, Lindsay Baugher, puts it best:
Somewhere along the way, many of us convinced ourselves that professionalism means hiding our humanity.
I don’t think that’s true. The best conversations, relationships, and opportunities often start when people stop trying to be perfect and start being themselves.
When companies understand that their employees don’t stop being people when the workday begins, something interesting happens…
The pressure disappears.
Trust Builds Confidence
A positive workplace culture isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and taking ownership.
Without the pressure to appear perfect, people are more likely to speak up or admit mistakes before a small issue becomes a big one.
Great Teams Know Each Other
When people feel comfortable letting their guard down, coworkers have more opportunities to build genuine relationships and understand how to work together.
Over time, they learn each other’s strengths, communication styles, and expertise – making it easier to solve problems, work under pressure, and know when to lean on each other.
Customers Feel the Difference
When employees know the unique perspective they bring to their role is valued, that confidence carries into customer interactions. They can focus less on saying the “perfect” thing and more on being approachable, honest, and willing to take ownership – even when something goes wrong.
Great customer experiences rarely begin with the customer. They begin with the culture employees expereince every day.
Small Moments Matter
Creating space for people to be themselves at work doesn’t require sweeping initiatives or expensive programs. Sometimes, it’s as simple as adjusting a meeting around a personal commitment or trusting someone’s ideas and judgement.
Small moments like these build confidence and motivation – encouraging employees to bring their expertise and that same level of care to the work they deliver.
Investing in People Is Investing in Your Business
At RestoreCore, investing in our people is something we take seriously. Our recognition as a 2026 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer reflects years of building trust, sharing honest feedback, and shaping our culture together.
Professionalism will always matter. But a strong company culture leaves room for the people behind it – their personalities, perspectives, commitments, and even the occasional imperfect moment.
That impact reaches far beyond the workplace – showing up in quality of work, relationships built along the way, and the strength of the business as a whole.
Your company culture is showing. The question is: Are you building one that brings out the best in your people – and your business?