Pieces of the Puzzle…Employee Well-being and Servant Leadership
I’ve had several conversations recently about work-related topics which focus around employee attitudes. It’s now late Summer 2022. Although to a lesser extent, in many ways we continue to deal with the pandemic we’ve all been exposed to for more than two years. To say the impact of Covid-19 has changed our workplace is an understatement.
From burnout HR Managers, to record numbers of resignations, to hybrid working arrangements, the after-affects have been plentiful. One indication? “Employee Well-being” has now become one of the most requested trainings in my consulting practice. While leaders are navigating where to find qualified skilled workers, employees are continuing to silently evaluate how they’re doing and what’s important and figuring that into their workplace equation balance. Many people are no longer willing to give up their health, their lives, and relationships in order to assist an organization in meeting its goals or make it profitable for little in exchange. It’s not about stopping work. It’s about working for an organization who sees you, hears you and who cares about you. Servant leadership in business means checking your ego at the door and supporting your employees for the greater good of the organization.
Face it, some people are still struggling. They’re still grieving the loss of a friend, co-worker or loved one to Covid. Others are still grieving the loss of simple interaction with others and the loss of their old work habits and work colleagues. There are leaders expecting employees to return to work and “life as normal” when life hasn’t been normal for a very long time, and we are uncertain about what may be coming next. While it takes time and energy to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and recognize that we do not all face the same world each day, treating each other with empathy and compassion is a critical first step in being a servant leader.
From the employee’s perspective, being able to serve the organization to the best of your ability while taking care of those in your life outside of the workplace–kids, spouses, parents, partners, etc (not to mention yourself!)–remains one of the most difficult practices within the workplace. This means organizations must show flexibility. And they must encourage and support trust. What does this look like? Organizations providing resources that employees need (time, people, money, authority) to feel empowered to do their jobs. And leaders who inspire and provide a common vision for the company, explained simply and with clarity.
We create teams and good teamwork through our workplace culture which includes both how we treat each other and what policies and practices affect our workplace. When was the last time your workplace or department reviewed the policies currently in place? When was the last time those policies were compared to actual practices and/or wants and desires of your workforce? (It does no good to have a policy that no one wants or adheres to.) In fact, business practices give a much clearer picture about workplace culture than do policies. As Peter Drucker once said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” I would agree. Every time. CULTURE among the workplace can make or break the organization.
So be cognizant of how you interact with those who work above you, beside you and below you. Actually talk to people about how they are doing. If you see someone struggling (or even if they’re not) reach out and connect. Yes, it may feel awkward and you may have to step outside of your comfort zone, but it may also be the best step you’ll take for yourself, your colleague and your organization!
I’m always saying, “We’re all more alike than we are different.” It’s true. We all have the same desire to be seen and to be heard. We have the same desire to have hope when we feel hopeless and to feel cared for when we feel alone. We have the same desire to be respected and valued for the gifts and talents we bring to the table. So strengthening your workplace culture means everyone has to do their part. And servant leadership means everyone does their part for the greater good.
Then we all win.