Bringing the HUMAN-NESS back to work!

A Guide To Transformation: To an Emotionally Fit Workplace

By Jess Keenan, Leading Change Experiences

We are at a time when workplaces are constantly navigating the layers of a change and uncertainty. The call to build and develop:

1. People Skills & Behavioural Awareness

2. Emotional Fitness

3. Emotionally-Aware Culture

..into the workplace has never been more pressing.

Inspired by many conversations I have had with people from different work situtations and roles, here are some of my favourite insights on five transformative principles for businesses and organisations:

Tip #1 - Re-engage With Purpose and Values

Defining clear organisational purpose and core values is important. It's more than just team members knowing what the values are - and by the way.. A focus on a maximum of 3 values is not only sufficient, but makes the connection with them implementable. Any more than 3 values, becomes a "list".
It's about team members establishing a connection with the values. The values are a powerful framework for employees to feel a sense of purpose. People are wanting to feel more "meaning" at work. When there is a shared connection to values and purpose, people can navigate change and uncertainty feeling more grounded and connected to the collective purpose.

Tip #2 - Cultivate Psychological Safety

"The foundation of innovation lies in an environment where individuals feel emotionally safe and secure enough to take risks and be their true selves"

Psychological safety is achieved through building an emotional culture. An emotionally-aware culture encourages open dialogue, vulnerability, and the courage to voice feelings, ideas, challenges, etc. It's about removing the protective armour through focussing on building safe and trusting relationships, and ensuring that every team member feels seen, valued and heard. An emotional culture is led by leaders who understand that emotions drive behaviour.

Tip #3 - Navigate Human Complexities With Empathy

Embracing the complexities of human emotions, behaviours and narratives is vital. We are all people, turning up at work, with many different life situations going on either in the background in their personal lives, or within your workplace. This principle involves leading and engaging with understanding and empathy, promoting an environment where open and vulnerable conversations are encouraged. An added layer of deepening mental and emotional wellbeing is in providing support and coaching for individuals to navigate through their self-limiting beliefs. Leaders need to show their employees that they care. The flow on effect of individuals feeling like they are considered and cared for by their leadership, is noticable when it comes to loyalty, productivity, fulfilment, happiness and motivation.

Tip #4 - Empower Authentic Leadership - Leadership As Being

Authentic leadership redefines the concept of leadership as a set of behaviours, philosophy and attitude— rather than a role. It supports the idea that everyone has the capacity to lead through authenticity, empathy, awareness, attunement and vulnerability.

"Authenticity is when our inner expression matches our outer expression"

To raise consciousness in leadership requires a commitment to personal growth and a commitment to becoming an emotionally regulated human being. Encouraging individuals to embark on this journey of personal growth not only transforms them but also inspires meaningful change within the organisation. Authentic leaders and team members act as catalysts, motivating others to transcend their limitations and contribute to a culture of continuous growth and learning - a people first culture.

Tip #5 - Meaningful Connections

At the heart of a people-first workplace is a strong sense of community. Building a network where individuals feel connected, appreciated, significant and part of something greater - forms a collective spirit and enhances team cohesion. It's about leveraging the power of diverse relationships to create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures individual and collective well-being, driving the organisation forward.

Organisations Leading Cultural Change

Integrating genuine human skills, behavioural awareness and aligned values into our workplaces is critical for businesses and organisations striving for success. By embracing these principles and by prioritising building an emotionally-fit culture, businesses can create environments where employees feel innately valued, engaged, and motivated to contribute their best. This journey towards a more human-focussed workplace is indeed a collective one, requiring commitment, courage, and compassion from every level of the organisation.