I can remember working for two different employers where communication was awful between management and myself. I didn’t know what they thought of me or my performance, and I didn’t know what their goals were, let alone how I fit into the equation. And statistics tell me I’m not alone. In fact, an astronomical portion of employees are feeling the same lack of relationship that I experienced with these previous employers.
Gallup found in recent research that 87% of employees worldwide and 71% of U.S. employees are disengaged. Some may think this is a lack of interest in the work they are in, but the reality is that it is a lack of relationship in the workplace. People will happily show up to work where people welcome them with open arms. Let’s face it – the paycheck doesn’t hurt, and individuals on both sides of the relationships being created are gaining a true connection from it. This truly is a win-win situation.
People need other people who care about them in the workplace. This is not only needed to fill one’s need for relationship, but it helps the overall workplace environment. Having relationships with the people you spend the most time with each day encourages excitement about work and can actually become contagious. Once you feel what it’s like to work alongside those you care most about, you won’t be able to go back to an anonymous environment.
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