How Carewashing Alienates Employees

In the modern workplace, fostering genuine employee engagement is crucial for long-term success.

However, the trend of carewashing—where organizations pretend to care about employee well-being without genuine actions—can do more harm than good.

This facade might look good on the surface but leaves employees feeling disillusioned and disengaged.

How Carewashing Happens

Here are a few reasons for the disconnect between what an organization says it will do and what it actually does regarding workplace culture:

✓ Ill-equipped Leaders

Carewashing often occurs when leaders lack the will, skills, or insight to address organizational culture problems. Some leaders prioritize the optics of harmony over genuine engagement and lack self-awareness, underestimating the impact of their neglect.

For example, consider a #leader who hires a consultant to offer a well-being workshop. During the workshop, the leader sends out emails with tasks due the next morning, directly violating the consultant’s recommendations. These mixed messages create stress for the team.

✓ Lack of Follow-through

Leaders might claim to prioritize employee well-being to meet hiring and retention challenges but fail to provide the necessary skills and resources to actualize these commitments.

For instance, a #CEO may include language in job descriptions about a caring, flexible culture to attract women candidates. However, if the organization doesn’t ensure managers can create psychologically safe environments, these new hires may leave when they realize the promised support isn’t there.

✓ Self-interest

Carewashing can also involve ethical fading and motivated blindness, where self-interest leads to ignoring unethical conduct. Leaders might face the dilemma of addressing problem behaviors and risking reputational damage or hiding the problem to maintain a polished image.

One egregious example is when leaders trivialize workplace harassment disclosures. A senior officer may claim to prioritize well-being but offers only token support without acknowledging wrongdoing. This feigned concern can even morph into intimidation, undermining trust and safety in the workplace.

Moreover, some individuals seek leadership positions to gain control and power. These toxic leaders, often exhibiting traits like narcissism and Machiavellianism, use carewashing as a manipulative tactic. They may say all the right things, but their actions reveal a lack of genuine empathy and emotional intelligence.

Cultivating a Truly #Supportive Work Environment

These strategies can help you cultivate a truly supportive work environment that resonates with your team 👇

✓ Be Authentic

Commit to real actions that reflect genuine concern for your employees' well-being. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty.

✓ Listen Actively

Create channels for open communication. Show that you value your employees' opinions and are willing to act on their feedback.

✓ Prioritize Mental Health

Offer tangible mental health resources and ensure employees feel supported in seeking help. Make mental well-being a cornerstone of your company culture.

✓ Lead by Example

Show your commitment to employee well-being through your actions. Model the behavior you want to see in your team.

Success in #employee #engagement isn’t about superficial gestures. It's about fostering a culture where employees feel genuinely valued and supported.

Real engagement stems from authentic actions and a deep commitment to your team's well-being.

Are you a leader seeking to create a more engaged and #authentic #workplace❓ DM me & we’ll transform your leadership approach together🚀

#jyotidadlani #pschlogicalsafty #yoga #wellbeing #cultural #dei