Maxine & Matt #1 Code Switching

Having written a blog on ‘Code Switching’, NHS Assistant Director, Maxine sits down with Nurses.co.uk Co-Founder, Matt, to discuss its impact on UK Nurses & Care Professionals from diverse backgrounds.

What is Code Switching?

Code switching is changing the key features of one’s self depending on the environment you’re in. I would argue that this is different to professionalism and workplace conduct.

For example, changing one’s language/choice of words/expressions, changing one’s appearance through style of hair, colour of clothing, etc.

The experience of code switching can be likened to toning one’s self down in order to be accepted and to fit in to what is considered to be ‘normal’ within a given environment.

Code switching can be compounded by intersectionality’s such as gender, race, age etc. Although the terminology is fairly new, the act of code switching is something that many people from diverse backgrounds have done for years.

This phenomenon particularly rings true in the workplace experiences of women from diverse backgrounds. Looking back over my 10 year career in nursing, I can’t remember a time when I have not code switched in some shape or form.

Can Code Switching Be A Useful Tool?

Early on in my career, code switching helped me learn how to show up in the workplace as a woman from a diverse background. To an extent, it helped me shape my perception of what was ‘acceptable’ in the workplace in terms of representation.

In doing so, code switching helped me hide my differences, helped me hide everything that makes me unique and makes me who I am. Sadly, this was more comfortable than being seen to be different.

The older I’ve become and the further I’ve progressed in my career, I realise now that there is power in authenticity, and power in the ability to express one’s self as you truly are.

As with everything that is worth doing, this is easier said than done. This takes mental effort each day and can feel uncomfortable. As women in healthcare leadership we often battle with the unfounded notion our ability to perform can be determined based on our physical appearance.

For example, ‘Are they going to think that I’m too feminine, and too soft? ‘Am I going to be seen as too masculine and hard to work with?’, ‘Are they going to think that because of how I look, I’m not able to get the job done?’

As a woman from a diverse background there is that further added experience of sometimes changing the way you speak and the language used in order to feel a sense of belonging.

I’m sure as I have done, many often avoid workplace chit chat and even the generic ‘how was your weekend’ question.

How Code Switching Hinders Career Development

There are many things that can hold people back from presenting as their true authentic self in the workplace. Fear of being seen as different due to different life experiences, different culture, different foods, different taste in music, different hobbies, etc., the list is endless.

Naturally, it can be easier to present as someone else in order to fit in than to present as yourself and be seen to be different. Code switching for many has been a life jacket to help one survive in an environment that is unaccepting of differences.

But what is this costing us?

Arguably, code switching can be a hindrance in one’s ability to navigate and accelerate one’s career.

Sharing life experiences, sharing stories and being able to truly connect with people can be just as crucial in career acceleration as the credentials one holds and their ability to do the job.

We know informal relationships, networks and one’s personal identity play a significant role in career development. So although code switching has helped us navigate a world that may discriminate based on our differences, that same survival technique can become a crutch to personal and professional growth.

Being able to present as one’s true self and share with others the unique lenses through which we see the world can give us a profound sense of worth & belonging, and it is the confidence that comes from this sense of self-worth that helps us thrive.