The Truth about Balance
All of us strive to feel a sense of balance and fulfillment in work and in life. But what about balance at work. Wouldn't a better balance of work and fun at work make it more fun in life? I've worked with so many companies that forget that we spend the majority of "awake" hours at work, and only limited hours celebrating life. I've also worked with a few select companies whose leadership team has created a postive, motivated, balanced environment at work so that no matter what the urgency or stress, there's balance. How can that be done?
It's called corporate culture, and it's a team effort! Some may say that it starts at the top, but it also has to simutaneously have to begin with mid level managers and training them how to create the right corporate culture within your organization, which will create an overall work balance. In today's economic downturn, your employees are most likely not getting balance at home due to fears, biils, and uncertainty. So why not give your employees a little bit more of that at work. There is no reason not to, and if you do, you'll be more successful.
I'm not suggesting that work not get done without a sense of urgency. And I'm not suggesting that it's all fun and games. However, the right mix of laughter, non-business related conversation, and mutual support can make the difference between an unbalanced team and a balanced team. Encourage open communication, encourage laughter, encourage balance, and watch your productivity and profits grow! Your sales people will be more relationship oriented with your customers, your internal operations will be more patient with your sales people, and your accounting department will be happier when facing those lousy collection calls, all because they have balance. Just something to think about. And the more you think about it, the more balanced YOU will be.