The Brief
How can we illustrate the emotional toll of workplace covering and inspire meaningful change towards a more authentic and inclusive workplace?
The Solution
Create Faded, a heartfelt short film that brings the concept of covering to life through the story of Theo, an employee grappling with the impact of downplaying his disability. Using striking visual metaphors and nuanced storytelling, the film explores the universal experience of covering and its profound effects on identity, authenticity, and emotional well-being.
Background
Covering occurs when individuals downplay aspects of their identity to conform to societal or workplace norms. This behaviour often stems from fears of rejection, judgment, or negative consequences, creating a significant emotional burden.
The internal research conducted by Deloitte revealed that many employees experience feelings of anxiety, isolation, and exhaustion as they navigate the demands of workplace covering. These challenges resonate across a wide range of identities, making it essential to approach the topic with broad representation and sensitivity.
The ask was clear:
- Highlight the prevalence and impact of covering.
- Elicit empathy by illustrating its emotional toll.
- Encourage reflection and action to foster a more inclusive workplace.
Our empathy mapping exercise shaped the creative approach, capturing the complex emotions of those who cover:
- Say: “I need to blend in”, “I adjust my appearance”, “I avoid certain topics”.
- Think: Concerns about rejection, safety, and authenticity.
- Feel: Anxiety, isolation, exhaustion—but also resilience.
- Do: Cover, socially withdraw, perform, and seek safe spaces.
This deeper understanding informed a creative solution designed to connect emotionally while driving meaningful conversations.
Our Approach
We crafted Faded as a visual and emotional exploration of covering. The film follows Theo, an employee who minimises the impact of his disability in the workplace. Through his story, we depict the inner conflict and consequences associated with covering.
To ensure a relatable and inclusive narrative, the film features multiple characters, each at different career stages and with diverse backgrounds, all facing their own struggles with authenticity.
Key creative choices included:
- Visual storytelling: Blue tones symbolise Theo’s loneliness, contrasted with warm hues as he finds acceptance. High contrast and shadows heighten emotional drama, while camera movements mirror Theo’s constraints and moments of distress.
- Motif of disappearing reflections: As Theo covers, his reflection gradually fades, symbolising the loss of identity and authenticity. This dreamlike sequence uses subtle editing and motion GFX techniques—blurring, refracting, and fading—to evoke his inner turmoil.
- Immersive sound design: We used emotive music and layered sound design to create an immersive film that places you in the shoes of the protagonist.
The narrative culminates in a moment of vulnerability, as Theo confronts his fears and finds support from his colleagues. This turning point demonstrates the importance of managerial and peer support in creating an environment where individuals can truly be themselves.
Impact
Faded combines emotional resonance with a call to action, sparking empathy and reflection among viewers. While feedback metrics are pending, early responses have praised the film’s ability to humanise the experience and inspire conversations about inclusion.
By visualising the unseen emotional labour of covering, Faded empowers organisations to recognise the importance of authenticity in the workplace and take tangible steps towards change.
