I sat down to do my taxes this past weekend (sigh)… receipts everywhere, numbers swirling, and I kept thinking: Why didn’t I start this sooner?
It got me thinking, though—every business, from small startups to global corporations, nonprofits to government agencies and education institutions, is paying a hidden tax. But unlike financial taxes, this one isn’t tracked, budgeted for, or even acknowledged. It’s the cost of workplace hiding.
Most don’t even realize it. It’s not in your annual report. It doesn’t show up as a line item on your P&L. But the cost? It’s real.
The moments when your employees hold back their ideas, concerns, or even parts of themselves—because they fear judgment, rejection, or just don’t feel safe speaking up.
And when hiding happens, it creates a cycle that quietly drains your business:
Employees hide aspects of themselves
They become less engaged
Performance suffers
Innovation stalls
Customers/clients don’t get the best experience
Business growth slows
Revenue decreases
Employees feel even less engaged
Retention drops
And so the cycle continues…until it’s stopped.
My recent TIME Op-Ed highlighted that psychological safety in the workplace isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential for innovation, engagement, and long-term success. Yet, too many workplaces create environments where hiding is the norm.
Hiding isn’t just a culture issue—it’s a business problem that limits performance, stifles potential, and impacts the bottom line.
The good news? This is a tax you can eliminate.
And it starts with leadership—but it’s a two-way street.
• Foster psychological safety so employees feel safe to unhide
• Encourage open dialogue where all voices are valued and heard
• Shift from perfection to progress so people aren’t afraid to try, fail, and innovate
Leaders set the tone, and then employees also need to step forward—sharing ideas, engaging in conversations, and embracing growth.
Strategic leaders take action before hidden costs add up. Let’s talk about where you may be stuck in the cycle—and map how unhiding can be a solution for your organization. DM me for a discovery call.
In case you missed it:
RECENT MEDIA: Time Magazine: 3 Steps Leaders Should Take in the Face of DEI Rollbacks
https://time.com/7264226/dei-
TEDx: When I Stopped Hiding, I Found Freedom
BOOKS: Unhide & Seek. Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work. (NEWEST)
Singlehandedly. Learning to Unhide and Embrace Connection.
Thank you for being part of the UNHIDING community.
