6 ways to create a healthy workplace culture
Find out how your workplace culture is effecting your health.
At Wild for Life HQ we never talk about work.
We talk about our passions,
we talk about our interests,
we talk about our inspirations,
we talk about our relationships,
we talk about our experiences,
we talk about discoveries and adventures.
We don’t talk about work, because at WFL, work doesn’t exist.
Life exists and we share our lives everyday.
Wild for Life lives up to it’s name by providing a supportive environment for our talented people to expand and grow in all areas of their lives whilst doing what they love – personally, emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually, creatively, culturally, socially and academically. All this equals a workplace culture which is healthy for your mind, body and soul.
Having recently been invited to observe the workplace culture of a client’s business, it was a no-brainer that their current culture was reflected in the dwindling happiness of their team, their sales and their future prospects.
Even when there was a win, it was quickly followed by a loss.
The business was originally structured around making money, sales, and let’s face it, driven by ego. The employees were hired to do a job, they weren’t employed to shine and evolve – this was mirrored in their attitude.
It sure wasn’t an inspiring place to return to 5 days a week.
I noticed all employees lacked motivation to begin or complete tasks, they were clock watching, emotional eating, engaging in bitchiness and criticism – which leads to gut issues.
How many of these sound familiar in your workplace?
Don’t despair or quit just yet. Here are some simple and super effective ways to seed in practices that will cultivate a healthier workplace culture.
1. Identify your outcomes for the day
I’m talking about emotional outcomes. Believe it or not, our feelings actually dictate the outcome of our actions. What are the feelings you want to feel? Write them down and link them to the tasks for the day.
2. Never start a sentence with the problem
If there is a problem, lead the conversation with the solution. Instead saying “It’s difficult for me to finish/continue with this proposal because I don’t have the information”. Instead say, “I’m sourcing the information I need to complete this proposal.” SOLUTION FOCUSSED!!! And what you focus on, you find!!
3. List 2 qualities you love or are inspired by in each of your direct colleagues
Then list 3 that you love about yourself. Even if there is a negative or critical person in your workplace, list 2 qualities within them. Even better, list them out loud to them. Eg: I love how you take pride in your work, or, you inspire me with your commitment to your health, or, love your fashion sense.” Then list 3 things you love about yourself- this is the most important part. Again, focussing on the good, brings in more goodness.
4. Don’t use the phrase ‘I know’
In conversation, refrain from using the phrase, ‘I know’. This is incredibly restricting, even if you know about the subject matter or the event. “I know” comes from ego and cuts off many opportunities. It inhibits your ability to grow, to expand your awareness and to consider a fresh perspective. Instead, I encourage you to say “Tell me more.” Not only does this encourage new ideas to flow, it also allows a respectful flow of communication. This is what expansive language is all about.
5. Look and Listen
As a therapist I have learned the most effective way of helping someone is through absolute presence. Looking someone in the eye when you meet initiates trust. Trust clears the path for truth, comfortable vulnerability and authenticity. Whether you’re in a meeting, catching up with a friend, or chatting with your partner, maintain eye contact when you are talking and when they’re talking.
Secondly, listen. Listen without thinking. Listen without interrupting. Listen without judgment. Listen with softness. When that person has finished or asks for your input, then contribute. Listening is the greatest gift you can give someone.
6. Yes and -vs- No but
When in a confronting conversation avoid using ‘no but’ as your response. Instead, no matter what the other says, respond with ‘yes and’. ‘No but’, puts the recipient on defence. ‘Yes and’ validates their statement and creates an openness to your response. Keep using ‘Yes and’ in every response until the conversation is complete. It greatly alters the outcome in a more positive way.
Which response flows better a) or b) ?
Colleague: You have to work faster, you’re holding up the entire team.
a) You: “ No but, I’m not getting any help.”
b) You: ”Yes and for this to be completed I need extra help.”
O’ and a tip for my fellow business owners out there – Don’t hire staff. Staff will accept a vacant position and work within the guidelines of that role. This is quite finite in terms of autonomy, growth and results.
I encourage you to look for and hire Talent.
Talent adds value to your business, staff adds numbers.
Talent grows with you and is a key part of the evolution of themselves and your business.
Talent, driven by intuition and passion, enthusiastically integrates work into Life. Beyond bonuses and pay rises talent feels mostly rewarded through the satisfaction of being blessed to do what they love doing everyday.
Nurture the talent within your business, because trust me, nothing is more satisfying than watching someone blossom in their purpose whilst simultaneously delivering your message and gift to the world.
These are just a few tips on how to enhance your workplace culture.
To create a healthy culture for your business or workplace, contact us at Wild for Life for a full consultation and integration program.
