Stakeholder Capitalism, Tiny Offices, and Microbreaks
A weekly roundup of the latest future of work and conscious leadership news and insights
This week Salesforce announced it’s laying off 1,000 employees. In the announcement, CEO Mark Benioff shared they are going to do so in a way that abides by their commitment to stakeholder capitalism:
"That idea that we are going to do well and do good also means that we're going to be an example of what stakeholder capitalism means. At the end of the day, we're still running a business, and we're going to have to continue to make investment choices,“ Benioff stated. “But we will do it in the best way, a more compassionate way, a more sustainable way, a more equitable way, and more just way. And we'll be an example of exactly how to do that."
It's heartening to see a leader like Benioff using language like “doing well and good,” “compassionate, equitable,” and “stakeholder capitalism.” The company has committed to retraining and job placement services for the employees it must let go. It’s a stark contrast to the heartless layoff notices with no assistance many have received in corporate America over the years. It’s a step in the right direction to consider all stakeholders before making a critical decision that will impact many employee’s futures.
I sometimes describe conscious capitalism as prioritizing all stakeholders instead of just stockholders. This seems to be the goal of stakeholder capitalism as well. In fact, Steve Denning penned an excellent piece for Forbes earlier this year about the history of stakeholder capitalism. While it’s not new, it has fallen to maximizing shareholder value (MSV) capitalism over the last half century. This could explain the disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street right now.
In order for stakeholder capitalism to truly succeed, it needs conscious leaders. These are leaders who don’t just focus on their personal success or personal interests, but instead consider the impact of their company both internally and externally. They are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They learn how to build organizations that serve and create opportunity for as many as possible. They raise their level of conscious to such a degree that they effortlessly create incredible services and products that benefit all stakeholders.
If you’re ready to help build a new model for business and society, let’s connect. Becoming a more conscious leader is the best way to help transform the way we work and relate.
Here is some of the future of work and conscious leadership content I found interesting this week:
The World Economic Forum published an article about how long term flexible work is here to stay. One of the most encouraging parts of the article is the trend towards flattening hierarchy in the workplace. Project-focused work and trust-based working are essential for the success of remote teams.
The tiny house movement is turning into the tiny backyard office trend. The Chicago Tribune reports that tiny house makers have seen a surge in requests for backyard office sheds. For around $7,000, you too can build a custom-made place to escape to for your work. This seems like a trend that will continue to grow as families find ways to accommodate schooling kids and working from home.
Fast Company shared a unique way to help employees avoid pandemic WFH cabin fever and burnout. Some companies are paying for Airbnb vacations for their employees to escape their home and some fresh perspective in new surroundings. It’s important to also include microbreaks during the workday and ensure employees are still getting the professional development needed to keep them sharp and engaged. The article also includes a helpful list of burnout signs for leaders to monitor with their team.
Work happy. Live happy. BE happy.
Meredith
Meredith’s coaching helps conscious leaders step courageously into the future of work. Contact her to develop your conscious leadership and transform your organization into the workplace of the future.
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