Happy New Year
This annual 'wishlist' from Bill Wilkerson, though intended as an
offering for employers from employees is poignant for every one of our own
workplaces. It is a
list for anyone who has the opportunity to help create caring,
thoughful, workplaces; in fact everyone.
Every year, Bill Wilkerson, founder of the Global Business and
Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, sends out a
seasonal wish list to employers, on behalf of employees. The document,
which finds its way to many company posting boards and e-mail inboxes
this time of year, provides much food for thought for the Ebenezer
Scrooges and Bob Cratchits of the world.
Here is his 2010 offering:
The Gift of Helping Out
Really go out of your way to ask employees and co-workers how you can
help. Reach out to those in a struggle to juggle work deadlines and
home obligations.
The Gift of Clear Expectations
Help your people understand clearly what you want from them. In
uncertain times, micro-managing is a really destructive practice. It
may hasten but it doesn't help.
The Gift of Support for Single Working Parents
Employees raising children alone merit thoughtful support at work.
Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to negative or chronic job
stress.
The Gift of Empathy
Trim the tree of customer service with compassion and care: 20 per cent
of the general population is clinically distressed and 100 per cent is
a friend, family member or co-worker. You can't see that through a call
centre, you can through wise eyes.
The Gift of Job Fulfilment
Paycheques buy bread for the table. Job fulfilment buys bread for the soul. Give the gift of nourishment for both.
The Gift of Sharing Success
Share the credit and not just the work.
The Gift of E-mail Alternatives
Give the gift of personal contact as an alternative to e-mails. Casual conversation is a sanctuary in an e-mail culture.
The Gift of Listening
Give this gift to someone every day. More than any other, it keeps on giving.
The Gift of Inclusion
In uncertain times, be mindful to include others in meetings, going out
for lunch and sharing the kind of information that empowers everyone.
The Gift of Being Fair
Give the gift of fairness and create a "trust account," which earns
interest in the form of productive people and satisfied hearts.
The Gift of Building Morale
Employees are realists, they can handle hope. Be hopeful.
The Gift of Being Home
In uncertain times, being home is important. The gift of understanding
that - and accommodating it - has superior value. Separated, home and
work are both stronger.
