Humanizing the workplace

Ever come into work just not “feeling it” that day?

Always expected to be perky and on top of your game?

Of course you are! That’s what you were hired for (and get paid for).

As a professional, who is replaceable, valued by a monetary amount you could be at your worst and walk into your workplace and as if a switch is flipped - be expected to perform at your prime.

Don’t get me wrong - of course as a paid contributor to your particular workplace you should be performing at your best, however, sometimes it just seems that we are so embedded into the working mindset we forget we are humans working for humans and in most cases the product or outcome of your service will be for the use of other humans.

So if the chain of work events rotates primarily around humans why is it that some leaders and managers insist on creating a culture, system or process that thrives on dehumanizing others and ultimately relating to them as a deficit in their budget?

As a leader or manager sometimes we need to take a step back and acknowledge what those who report to us may be going through in a particular moment or day and what we can change for them that will allow them to thrive and bring out their best. This could range form a change of work content, environment, team composition, providing challenges or promoting team camaraderie...it could be anything! But as a responsible leader it becomes our job to investigate and figure out what would bring out the best in each individual.

Being more mindful of this emotional intelligence which is becoming more recognized can make us connect better, and understand why a certain individual may work a particular way. In essence, allowing you to connect beyond the work, titles and job descriptions.

We are all susceptible to human core notions and whatever our goals may be, they generally come from a sense of self-preservation (admit it or not!). However, in understanding what makes our workforce tick at an individual level, could be the key to creating a culture that is not only pleasant to be in (given that for most folks the majority of their time is spent in the workplace) but allow them to become an integral part of the organization where they feel they can truly participate and bring value to an organization.

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