I must admit that sometimes, in our genuine pursuit of achieving positive impact through purpose-driven businesses, it's easy to forget that people are at the heart of it all.
While achieving our mission is essential, that doesn’t mean we should sacrifice the well-being and fulfillment of our team members in the process. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of a noble cause and inadvertently prioritize the "purpose" over the "people." This can manifest in a variety of ways that we often see in both non-profits and purpose-driven businesses.
There’s the ever-present risk of burnout. Unrealistic hours, neglecting employee and self-care, and creating a culture of overwork leads to stress and high turnover.
And even worse it can lead to disillusionment. If employees feel disconnected from the purpose or feel like it is no longer worthwhile because of all they have to sacrifice or feel that their contributions are not valued, they may become disillusioned and lose motivation.
So, how can we prioritize both people and purpose?
Adopt employee well-being as a core value
- Prioritize mental health: Offer resources such as mental health days, employee assistance programs, and flexible work arrangements. Pay attention to the clues that reveal people need a break.
- Promote life-work balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, disconnect from work outside of work hours, and prioritize their personal lives. Remind them and yourself that your purpose is not going anywhere.
- Invest in professional development: Provide opportunities for growth and learning to help employees develop their skills and advance their careers. Caring about your employees’ growth is crucial for building trust.
Empower your staff to take ownership
- Involve employees in decision-making: Give employees a voice in company decisions, especially those related to their work and well-being. Ask! is the secret ingredient in Our recipe for creativity, and it is just as important here.
- Recognize and reward contributions: Acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of your team members. Not just once a year, but on a continuous basis.
- Foster a culture of honesty: Create a safe and inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns.
Prioritize transparency and communication
- Be transparent about your purpose: Clearly communicate your company's purpose and how it aligns with employee values so everyone knows how people and purpose fit together.
- Share progress and impact: Regularly communicate the impact of the team's work and how their contributions are making a difference. This is key for helping everyone stay connected to your purpose.
- Be open about your challenges: Acknowledge company and personal challenges or setbacks openly and transparently. Your own humanity and vulnerability will help you stay connected to your team.
Live your values daily
- Walk the walk: Ensure that your company's policies and practices align with its stated values. Use your purpose as a guide for decision-making.
- Create a culture of appreciation: Foster a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and appreciated for their unique contributions.
- Take care of yourself: Demonstrate through your own actions that you value and prioritize employee well-being. This means being honest about your stress level, taking breaks, and showing your employees what good self-care looks like.
Prioritizing people and purpose is not about choosing one over the other. It's about finding the delicate balance that allows both to thrive. By creating a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and fulfilled, we can build truly sustainable and impactful businesses that leave a positive impact on the world.