Over the years, I have
witnessed CEOs and leaders altering their approach to align with their
employees and the community. From ensuring diversity and inclusion to being
#GenderSmart at the workplace, they have adapted to appeal to the millennial
generation. This disruption got me thinking: “how do we strike the balance
between delivering superior productivity while maintaining quality of life?”
For me, employees are the heart of any organization,
vigilantly pumping the lifeblood of their talent and skill through every part
of the company. And just like the human body, if your heart is not strong—the rest
of the company will lag and ultimately fail. CEOs, being the brains of an
organization, must strive to create a healthy workplace and a positive culture
to ensure a happy workforce. There is a reason why dream organizations and best-place-to-work
companies see so much success. These organizations tend to create a strong work
culture where they add value to employees rather than merely extracting it. In
the last four decades, I have religiously worked to create an organization
where employees are valued, diversity is nurtured, and culture is prioritized
by focusing on five key aspects:
Easier
Working in a cutthroat environment can be extremely
stressful. Making employees’ lives easier by emphasizing work-life integration
and offering flexible working solutions is the key to creating a thriving work
culture.
Faster
With constant work pressure coming our way and a million
tasks in pipeline wanting our attention, speed has become a necessity. By
eliminating roadblocks and hurdles and setting up clear and specific
expectations, we can assist our teams to work faster.
Simpler
Technology has a profound effect on employees and
implementing advanced technology leads to a more efficient, productive, and
simpler workplace, allowing employees to focus on engagement and automating the
rest.
Safer
Without workplace safety measures, an organization puts
its employees, customers, brands, and revenues in danger. Responsible employers
understand that a safe workplace is crucial and hence, a business priority.
Better
Great companies treat their employees as they treat their
clients and customers. By rewarding employees, making them feel like an
integral part of the organization, investing in their development, and by
offering world-class benefits, leaders can improve quality of their work and
life.
According to McKinsey’s recent research, workplace stress
is exacting highest physical and psychological toll ever recorded. It adversely
affects employee productivity, increases attrition, and costs US employers
nearly $200 billion every year in healthcare costs. However, smart leaders are
already rethinking their traditional approach and focusing on a more holistic
approach that covers the physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being
of their employees.
Reference: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/the-overlooked-essentials-of-employee-well-being
