Pandemic has changed how people view professionalism
UC professor encourages workers to find their comfort level when deciding what to share
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted workplaces and changed how people view professionalism in the workforce, a University of Cincinnati professor said.
Nadia Ibrahim-Taney
Nadia Ibrahim-Taney, whose research focuses on workplace professionalism, told Molly Longman one of the benefits of the pandemic was it allowed people to open up more dialogue about their personal lives and even mental health.
“COVID has challenged our belief system about what ‘professionalism’ is and how it works in the modern workforce, given that many of us are working from home,” Ibrahim-Taney said. “It’s empowered people to think about how they show up — in general, and for other people — and to speak their own truths as employees.”
How much people share about themselves should depend on how confident, comfortable and safe they feel, Ibrahim-Taney said.
“Being your ‘authentic self’ at work is something you have to come to on your own terms,” she said. “Should I come out at work? Tell my colleagues I’m a mom? The answer to this has to do with whether you feel safe in doing so.”
Featured image at top courtesy of Unsplash.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
UC welcomes newest Bearcats during student orientation
July 13, 2026
Local 12 News and WLWT speak with Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management, about the University of Cincinnati welcoming a record number of new Bearcats during student orientation sessions.
UC students organize free health clinic in community
July 13, 2026
The University of Cincinnati student chapter of Remote Area Medical held its annual free health clinic July 11-12 at St. Xavier High School. Medical, dental and vision care was offered to adults and children, with no income requirements or insurance needed.
Ohio ranked No. 1 for business by CNBC
July 10, 2026
Ohio is CNBC’s No. 1 Top State for Business in 2026. The University of Cincinnati helps fuel that success through co-op, innovation, talent development and close collaboration with the state.