From Amanda's very early writing (1990s to early 2000s), shared as it was originally written.
How Well is Your Workplace?
In theory we spend a third of our day sleeping; a third working and a third 'living'. Except that these days , we often spend much more than eight hours working. And how many people lie on their death beds and with their last gasp utter the words, 'I wish I'd spent more time at work!'?
Very few. Because loads of people don't enjoy work. And it affects their home lives. They arrive home irritable or angry or depressed or burnt out. They have lots of reasons of course. And most people take no responsisbilty for themselves at work. They say 'it's the bosses fault', 'it's the system' in fact, they blame anybody or anything but themselves. (Not a wellness behavior) And in some cases it's true. But in most cases, the individual can approach work in a different way and find much more satisfaction and fulfillment (which leads to wellness and a happier home life).
For example, always do your own job to the best of your ability - no matter how menial it may be. Do your work in such a way that you are proud of what you do - be the best sweeper/ widget maker / secretary/ accountant/ assistant/ manager you can be. Strive to do better - learn more. Be a willing student. Show some enthusiasm and iniative. If someone with more experience than you offers you advice, take it with gratitude rather than resentment. Make a BIG effort to get on with other people - be thoughtful, kind and above all, do not gossip or speak about others behind their backs. Volunteer to do courses that will increase your knowledge and effectiveness - even if you have to pay for yourself sometimes, or go in out of work hours.
In other words, treat the business as your own. Or treat your small area/domain as your own business. Run it with the same enthusiasm, vigour, excitment and committment as if it was your own. You will be amazed at how much more you enjoy those hours at work and how much more fulfilled you are and how much more recognition you receive.
For those of you I hear crying - 'what a load of bulldust, my boss wouldn't let me do that in a million years!'; or 'why would I work my guts out for that #@*##@ ' - try this strategy. If YOU take responsibilty for yourself and your own fulfillment at work (a great wellness habit), you have a much better chance of enjoying the place and activities that occupy the largest part of your life.
In all cases it's true that the culture of the organization - no matter how small- has a dramatic impact on the attitude of the people working there. And the culture of any organization is determined largely by the BIG BOSS. Smaller bosses (managers down the line) create their own subculture, but this is still affected by the overall organizational culture.
The impact of the culture within a place was driven home to me yesterday when I visited Blackmore's in Sydney. It was a fantastic place to spend some time in, let alone work in! They are a company that manufactures a range of natural products, ranging from vitamins to beauty products. It was the enthusiasm of the whole place that captured me - they are excited by what they do. They are all committed to the values of the Company which are based on offering the safest, best and most effective natural products for their customers.
Their research and development department is committed to looking for the latest , validated new findings. They fund research projects and Universities; they conduct seminars all over the country because they are committed to furthering the knowledge of naturopaths and the general public. They have a naturopathic clinic on site and offer a free phone advisory service that takes 60,000 calls a month! Now that's what I call a company committed to helping the community. And the staff know it and love it. They feel that what they are doing really helps people; that the effort and hours they put in make a difference.
Not only that but Blackmore's shows it values the wellness of it's employees and recognises their contribution. There is a fantastic canteen offereing a range of subsidised - healthy- foods - not the normal stodgy or 'junk' food most workplace canteens offer. (Sorry canteens, but it's mosstly true) And a gymnasium that is fully equipped and has a full time coordinator/advisor. (For the cynics, 25% of the staff use the gym every day and up to 60% use it at varying times - so the culture fosters the use of this wellness facility). There is a 'shop' on site offering discounted Blackmore's products to employees. But wait - there's more!
Marcus Blackmore , the BIG BOSS, is a delightful. approachable man who knows everyone by name. Who is obviously respected and admired by his team, whom he respects. And he has a team of dedicated, long term, excited, entusiastic, energetic, committed, creative people in 'his family'. Do you think he is just lucky?!
No. Of course not. He has - as any BIG BOSS , or 'middle boss' or even 'small boss' needs to - worked hard to define the values of the organization. And to make sure everyone knows those values. There is a committment to his team, the community, education, research, and honesty. His people are proud to sell the products and proud to be associated with the Company. They feel appreciated. (A HUGE wellness / productivity related feature). Which in turn creates an environment in which people 'blossom' and develop.
Any organizational , departmental or sectional leader who attempts to create an enviroment in which people can grow and develop and be the best they can be, will see communication, enthusiasm, laughter and productivity soar.
And any individual who, despite some despotic, power crazed, uncommunicative, divide and conquer, unfulfillled , miserable sort of manager, takes responsibility for themselves to do the best they can and be the best they can be in any circumstances will be happier, sleep better and stay well. Sometimes it's better to find another job - then be the best you can be.
So ask yourself, 'how well is my workplace?' and 'what culture have I created?', and 'what can I do to make it better for me - and my team?'. Then do it and reap the rewards - both personal and professional.
