The Rising Demand for Humanity in the Modern Workplace
Bringing humanity back to work revolves around the idea of ensuring that work environments and practices are centred around the well-being, fulfilment, and dignity of the individuals involved. Over time, some workplaces have become more focused on efficiency, productivity, and profit, often at the expense of human aspects such as work-life balance, mental and emotional well-being, and meaningful connections. Research shows that only 4% of companies who claim to have DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts have disability integrated into their initiatives.
There are many reasons why there is a growing interest in bringing humanity back to work:
Employee Well-being: A human-centred approach to work acknowledges that employees are not just resources, but individuals with physical, emotional, and mental needs. Prioritising employee well-being can lead to increased job satisfaction, better mental health, and improved overall performance.
Work-Life Balance: Modern work cultures have sometimes blurred the lines between work and personal life, leading to burnout and decreased quality of life. By reemphasising humanity in the workplace, there can be a greater respect for boundaries between work and personal time, promoting healthier and more balanced lives.
Creativity and Innovation: When employees feel valued, respected, and engaged, they are more likely to contribute innovative ideas and solutions. A human-centred work environment encourages open communication and diverse perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation.
Stronger Connections: A focus on humanity at work encourages stronger interpersonal connections and a sense of belonging. This can lead to improved teamwork, better collaboration, and a more positive workplace culture.
Ethical Considerations: Treating employees with dignity and respect is an ethical imperative. A workplace that values humanity respects employee rights, diversity, inclusion, and fair treatment.
Long-Term Sustainability: A workplace that prioritises humanity is more likely to have sustainable practices. This includes investing in employee development, promoting job stability, and contributing positively to the larger community.
Employee Engagement and Retention: Employees are more likely to stay with an organisation that values their contributions and well-being. High turnover can be costly and disruptive, so organisations benefit from retaining talented individuals. Do You Introduce a ‘Moments That Matter’ Approach?
Productivity and Performance: Contrary to the idea that pushing employees to their limits results in higher productivity, research shows that sustainable work practices that consider employee well-being led to better performance and productivity eventually.
Resilience and Adaptability: Organisations that prioritise the humanity of their employees tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to adapt positively to change.
Positive Reputation: Companies that are known for their human-centred approach to work are likely to attract top talent and gain a positive reputation in the market.
In essence, bringing humanity back to work is about recognising the importance of the people within the organisation, fostering an environment where they can thrive, and achieving a healthier balance between productivity and personal well-being. This approach benefits not only the employees but also the organisation as a whole.
Olivier Mythodrama has been delivering innovative and thought provoking leadership training for over 20 years. The people and organisations we have worked with describe our training as life changing. We think they’re right. We already work with some of the world’s leading businesses. Are you ready to join them?
