1 month ago
Future business leaders plan to hide identities at work
A new study found that 40% of future business leaders plan to hide parts of their identity, like gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, or social class, at work.
The study, conducted by ESCP Business School, surveyed 576 students across their campuses in London, Paris, Madrid, and Turin.
Many students fear mistreatment, especially regarding neurodivergence or gender identity, and feel overwhelmed by managing mental health and disclosure anxiety.
While most value company diversity policies, over 76% don't check a company's DEI stance before applying.
Experts suggest companies need to take measurable actions to support employees and create a safer workplace environment.
40% of future business leaders plan to hide their identity at work.
24.3% of respondents identified as neurodivergent.
6.4% of respondents would disclose their identity during a face-to-face interview.
76% of respondents do not check a company's DEI stance before applying.
Companies are advised to implement measurable actions and clear internal burnout policies.
- Who
- Future business leaders, students at ESCP Business School
- What
- A study on identity disclosure in the workplace
- Where
- ESCP campuses in London, Paris, Madrid, and Turin
- When
- Survey conducted between September 2025 and February 2026
- Why
- To understand the anxiety and strategies of future business leaders regarding identity disclosure at work
Proponents of Disclosure
Advocates for Caution
Disclosure of Identity
Proponents of Disclosure
Encourage openness and authenticity in the workplace to foster inclusivity and personal growth.
Advocates for Caution
Advise caution in disclosing personal identities to avoid potential discrimination and career penalties.
Key facts
- Study Conducted By
- ESCP Leadership and Inclusive Management Institute
- Number of Participants
- 576
- Percentage Planning to Hide Identity
- 40%
- Percentage Neurodivergent
- 24.3%
- Percentage Disclosing During Interview
- 6.4%
- Percentage Checking Company DEI Stance
- 24%
- Global Neurodivergent Unemployment Rate
- 10-20%
- US Neurodivergent Unemployment Rate
- 85%
Quotes
Professor Géraldine Galindo
ESCP Business School professor and study lead
“Employers need to ditch all‑or‑nothing corporate disclosure mechanisms and generic corporate DEI messaging and replace performative statements with measurable action such as clear internal burnout policies. She added that companies need to train line managers to build “day‑to‑day psychological safety” and implement workplace accommodations directly.”
theprint.in
“For years the prevailing narrative has been to ‘bring your whole self to work’, but for young people starting out in the workplace, many are masking or keeping quiet to avoid career penalties. Disclosing an invisible identity in the current climate is tied to heightened emotional strain and hyper‑vigilance rather than relief.”
theprint.in
Sources
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