Issue 113
Hello, {{first_name|Beyond the Label Family!}} 👋
We're back with another exciting edition of the Beyond the Label Newsletter, and you won't want to miss it! 🌈
In the corporate world, we talk a lot about "culture fit." On the surface, it sounds like a good thing—we want teams that get along. But often, "culture fit" is just a polite code word for "conformity." It’s a way of enforcing a specific version of "normal."
For individuals with disabilities or special needs, the pressure to conform is not just annoying; it is exhausting.
Consider the neurodivergent employee who forces eye contact despite it causing sensory overload, or the person with chronic pain who sits in an unsupportive chair for eight hours to avoid being seen as "difficult." This is called masking. It is the act of suppressing one’s true needs to make others comfortable.
The ROI of masking is zero. Actually, it’s negative.
It drains cognitive resources: Brainpower that should be used for problem-solving is used for self-monitoring.
It leads to burnout: The effort required to "pass" as neurotypical or able-bodied is unsustainable.
It kills diversity of thought: If everyone acts the same, everyone thinks the same.
We need to redefine what a successful employee looks like. We need to move away from the idea that there is one "right" way to work, communicate, or sit at a desk.
True inclusion isn't inviting someone to the table and expecting them to act like everyone else. True inclusion is changing the shape of the table so that everyone can sit comfortably.
I want to hear from you: Has "culture fit" ever stopped you from being your authentic self at work?
Join the Beyond the Label movement and make a difference! Together, we can create a world that celebrates unique abilities and embraces diversity. 🌍
Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Explore our latest collection, and let's make a difference, one book at a time. 📖
Thank you for being a part of Beyond the Label! 🌟
Warm regards, Beyond the Label Team 📚🌟
PS: Stay tuned for more inspiring stories, updates, and resources in our next newsletter! 📬🎉
