The global pandemic has made the past two years challenging on so many levels. It has tested the resilience, adaptability and resourcefulness of individuals and companies alike. And of course, there are many lessons to learn, especially when it comes to our work culture. Here are a few that stood out for me:
Our personal and professional lives are not separate
At least not the way they used to be. With the growth acceleration of remote work, the lines between work and home life have become increasingly blurry. As a result, organizations have started paying more attention to the impact of their employees’ mental, emotional and physical well-being on performance and productivity. A big part of unlocking people’s potential is to approach their lives like an ecosystem.
Financial rewards are not enough
An attractive salary, a pay rise or a bonus are great, but we need more. As human beings, we all crave meaning and purpose in what we do. Organizations that have been thriving during these changing times are those that gave their talent the space to adapt, grow and flourish. Studies have shown that increased work flexibility, with remote and hybrid work on the rise, has helped broaden the talent pool, boosted diversity, and improved work-life balance.
Connection matters
How do you create cultures that promote connection when the workplace has become more digital and remote? By being inclusive. It’s about creating work environments where every employee feels like they can bring their whole self to work, contribute and engage fully, and ultimately, feel like they belong. And for that to happen, companies also need to commit to creating psychological safety at all organizational levels.
For me, being a part of a human-centric organization has always been one of my biggest career drivers. After several years of working as a solopreneur and helping organizations build inclusive, high-performance teams, I am happy to report that I have found a new professional home at Human Edge, one that aligns with my values.
It’s still early days, but it is refreshing to see how passionate the team is about empowering organizations to reach their strategic goals through a holistic, people-centered approach.
