Behind Job Titles…
Have you ever realised that the person in a suit at meetings is the same one posting beach photos on Instagram?
On LinkedIn, we’re leaders, managers, teammates.
On Instagram, we’re friends, travellers, foodies.
We often treat these roles like they belong to two different people — the “professional” and the “personal.”
But the truth is: we are both.
That colleague across the room? — They might be quietly grieving a loss.
That manager? — They could be battling anxiety.
That executive? — Might be navigating a divorce, or facing illness in their family.
We send “get well soon” cards for illness…
We hand out vouchers for birthdays…
Yes, we need boundaries. Yes, it’s work.
But is that where it ends?
We say we care about mental health.
But when things get really hard…
Do we actually hold space for each other?
Or do we let process and policy take over?
Is it because it’s “work”?
Because showing emotions is seen as weakness?
Because someone who cries couldn’t possibly lead a team?
We ask for more humanity at work.
But maybe we don’t need more.
Maybe we just need to make space for the humanity that’s already here.
Because being human means:
To feel.
To fall apart.
To celebrate.
To show up.
Without paperwork.
Without process.
Just presence.
So if we want healthier workplaces…
Maybe we don’t need another initiative.
Maybe we just need to simply…
be human.
🍃 How do you hold space for others in your workplace?
And… when things get challenging for you — what helps you feel supported?
If anything here resonates and you feel called to share, I would love to hear from you. I always welcome your thoughts.
