The Future of Professionalism: Equity and Self-Determination in the Nonprofit Workplace

As the landscape of the workforce continually changes, nonprofit leaders are invited to reconsider professionalism through the lens of equity, and self-determination into their organizational cultures. These principles not only embody the values of today’s diverse workforce but also serve as critical components for creating inclusive and empowering workplace environments. This blog explores the importance of these concepts and illustrates them through two hypothetical case studies of nonprofit organizations navigating these transformations.

In the mid-2010s, Millennials emerged as the largest demographic group in the U.S. workforce, with their representation swelling to one-third of employees by 2016. With this generational shift came new expectations around workplace norms—Millennials and Generation Z are advocating for increased flexibility, inclusivity, and opportunities for authentic self-expression in their professional lives. Traditional notions of professionalism are being redefined, with rigid dress codes and hierarchical communication styles increasingly called into question.

Dion Bullock, DEIB Strategy Lead at Bravely, writes about the ways that cultural biases often embedded in established norms of professionalism. For example, while facial hair is revered in many cultures, it's often misunderstood in Euro-centric workplace environments as unprofessional. Or the prevalence of tattoos as socially acceptable, in some work environments it is frowned upon, or people are discriminated against. Organizations must reevaluate such standards to foster a more inclusive atmosphere that honors cultural practices and individual expression.

The Importance of Equity

The collective reckoning of 2020 and 2021 highlighted systemic inequities within organizations and propelled many nonprofits to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Much of this work was possible because of the efforts to make workplaces and other public or private spaces accessible and free of harm, notably anti-workplace violence and anti-bullying campaigns. Employees from marginalized backgrounds have been consistently asserting our rights to spaces that acknowledge and respect their identities, prompting calls for change within organizational cultures. Leaders are increasingly held accountable for addressing historical exclusions and ingrained biases, fostering environments where every voice matters.

As pressures mount for inclusivity, there's an inherent conflict with outdated professional standards that inadvertently stifle individual expression. A Glassdoor guide suggests employees should only speak up in meetings when presenting “valuable and important input,” which may discourage contributions from those who fear marginalization. This poses poignant questions for leaders: How can organizations promote an inclusive culture that also encourages open, authentic dialogue? How are traditional notions of professionalism hindering these conversations? How might more inclusion increase our collective impact?

Embracing Self-Determination Theory

At the core of fostering a more inclusive workplace is self-determination theory (SDT), which asserts that individuals possess three fundamental psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. When these needs are adequately met, employees experience heightened intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction.

As workplaces adapt to new realities shaped by remote work, virtual collaboration, and algorithmic management, understanding how these aspects influence worker motivation is crucial to maintain consistency with rampant social and culture changes. For example, remote work may enhance autonomy by allowing employees to create their own schedules, while virtual teamwork can foster a sense of relatedness through collaborative digital platforms.

To illustrate the importance of these principles, we’ll explore two case studies of nonprofit organizations effectively navigating this landscape.

Case Study 1: Green World Initiative

Organization Overview
The Green World Initiative is a nonprofit focused on environmental advocacy, with a team of diverse employees united by a shared passion for sustainability. However, their traditional approach to professionalism emphasized formal attire and strict communication protocols, leaving many employees feeling stifled.

Challenge

In the face of increasing demand for equity and inclusivity, Green World Initiative found its leadership style inadequate to address the needs of its diverse workforce. The rigid professionalism standards led to disengagement and frustration among employees who felt they couldn't express their individuality or cultural backgrounds. 

Solution

In response, the leadership adopted a new approach grounded in self-determination theory. They initiated a series of town hall meetings where employees could openly discuss their experiences and suggest changes. This process revealed that many team members wished for a more casual dress code and a more open platform for discussion.

Consequently, the organization implemented a “Dress for Your Day” policy, allowing team members to choose their attire based on personal comfort and the tasks at hand. Additionally, they established guidelines for meetings that encouraged all voices to be heard, fostering a culture of belonging. The results were palpable—employee morale improved, retention rates increased, and the organization began to see a creative surge in ideas and initiatives that better reflected the community they served.