October is about identity and transformation. 

The weather turns chilly, the leaves change color, and people make what feels like the biggest decision of their lives - should I be a bunny or cat this Halloween?

However, what remains constant in this shifting world is the workforce. A great deal of our time is spent at work, with the average person working 40+ hours per week. Imagine that across, give or take, 40 years. It’s a long time for those itching to retire at the earliest age possible, but even more so for those who struggle to define their identity in the very place where they spend most of their time. 

Cultural mismatch arises when the cultural norms and values of a typical institution or organization clash with those of the underrepresented groups within those environments (Stephens & Townsend, 2015). These norms can range from topics of diversity, morality, independence versus interdependence, communication, time off, to everything in between. Researchers Gelfand and Harrington (2015) found that this tension is most likely to emerge when people feel very uncertain, are being evaluated, or have lower levels of power. All three are true in the workplace. For an employee from a minoritized background, they must sometimes contort into a person-organization fit that goes against their very values and beliefs but grants them job security, positive evaluations, and higher hierarchical power. For the outspoken employees who stand firm and do not conform risk their growth in the company (Carrim, 2019). However, cultural mismatch can have a significant impact on turnover and productivity within an organization, even more so than compensation (Presbitero et al., 2024). Rather than shielding those unique parts of themselves entirely while at work, many employees find solidarity with others who share those same cultures and beliefs. In addition, they may encourage open expression within their smaller teams. 

But, when does this mismatch get to be too much? It seems the answer is now. The tide is changing, with hundreds of young and old professionals riding it into the sunset. There’s a transformation occurring in the workforce, one shaped by greater inclusion, flexibility, awareness, and balance. Let’s hope it sticks.