Is Your Normal Workplace an Unhealthy Environment?
Companies and employees are discovering the benefits of remote and flexible work
Last night I was reading Reddit (one of my favorite pastimes) and this post caught my eye:
The writer of this post has obviously found the silver lining in the worldwide coronavirus-mandated remote work experiment: working from home has many healthy benefits. This Redditor also raises an important question for managers and employees everywhere: is the modern workplace really working for everyone?
It’s heartbreaking to hear an employee talk about the remote work “luxury” of having a window and sunshine during their work day. It seems like a commonsense attribute of any functioning office. But the comments that followed this post indicated that many people share a similar cubicle setup in their respective offices. Notice that the post had more than 1,000 “upvotes” by the time I read it, meaning many people feel a similar sentiment about their workplace.
This crisis has opened the eyes of many that modern workplaces and the modern work schedule aren’t healthy. In fact, they have led to an overworked, exhausted, workforce that isn’t reaching its full potential.
So how can we change this unhealthy work environment? It starts with conscious leadership. Conscious leadership describes anyone who wants to inspire and bring out the best in all those around them; they look beyond personal gain or profit; they are characterized by integrity, trust, and unity instead of intimidation or fear.
Conscious leaders don’t look at employees as numbers; regardless of the size of their organization. They consider the wellbeing of each employee and view them as a valued teammate. A simple thing like ensuring that employees aren’t enclosed in dreary cubicles every day, but enabled to work in an environment that brings them joy, sparking creativity and productivity, is the hallmark of a conscious leader.
Looking at employees as whole persons who bring their hopes, dreams, fears and desires into work is another hallmark of conscious leaders. They look after the professional development of their employees, which means considering their emotional development and happiness as well.
Vishen Lahkiani of Mindvalley does something extraordinary with his employees: he encourages them to openly share their personal and career dreams on a board placed in the office. Every teammate can see what others aspire to, and then they can help make that happen. Whether it’s climbing a mountain, or creating their own business, his organization and his employees support each other through this conscious leadership exercise.
As you return to your office place in the coming weeks or months, consider whether your organization provides a healthy work environment. If you’re in management, how can you bring more conscious leadership to your team and help turn your organization into a workplace that supports its employees as creative, amazing human beings? If you’re an employee, how can you start advocating for more conscious leadership in your company?
I am eager to help you and your organization create this workplace of the future, which will empower you and your team to reach heights and have impact you never dreamed possible.
I will soon be launching a training series for employers and employees to hone their remote work skills and bring more conscious leadership to work.
Stay posted for these exciting and timely new courses!
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