Mind Hub Directory: Connecting Businesses with EAP Providers for Employee Well-Being
“Happiness can only exist in acceptance.” — George Orwell. This quote holds profound truth not only in our personal lives but also within the workplace. Work environments encompass diverse personality types, beliefs, leadership styles, and more. Practicing acceptance at work, understanding when and how to advocate for change, and accepting people for who they are—these are the principles we stand by.
Acceptance in the Workplace
Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Chief Diversity Officer at Microsoft (then IBM), wisely notes, “When every employee feels safe and supported, they can be their best authentic selves.” Numerous studies reaffirm the importance of employees feeling valued and understood, recognizing its positive impact on performance and ultimately a company’s success. We, at Mind Hub Directory, value and advocate for such acceptance.
Acceptance in a diverse workplace means understanding that every individual comes from different backgrounds, cultures, upbringings, and more, and this diversity is a strength. A workforce rich in diversity and inclusivity is a breeding ground for creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
In essence, it involves establishing clear guidelines that cater to every employee’s well-being, irrespective of factors such as race, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and more. Companies that embrace inclusion and diversity practices foster acceptance, leading to a vibrant and thriving workforce—something that every c-suite executive can take pride in.
A Leader’s Role in Achieving Acceptance at Work
Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping workplace behavior, language, and habits. Empathy, the ability to see situations from another person’s perspective, is a potent leadership tool that eliminates negativity and enhances team performance.
Mind Hub Directory believes in practicing empathy in the workplace. It’s about creating an environment where team members feel safe sharing their personal and professional challenges. Team leaders should express gratitude for their team’s contributions and direct them to the company’s Emotional Assistance Program (EAP) if needed.
Leaders must also prioritize self-care to avoid burnout, ensuring they are emotionally and physically well-equipped to lead effectively.
Creating a workplace akin to a family unit requires commitment, trust, and care from both employers and employees. It involves establishing safe spaces for open dialogue, seeking help when needed, and emphasizing the importance of unity.
Recent reports show that the pandemic accelerated changes in HR, with HR leaders becoming more influential and visible. The focus has shifted to soft skills such as empathy, compassion, and trust, all of which played a crucial role in helping companies rebound.
The Calling for Acceptance
Employees feel a sense of belonging and acceptance when they feel valued. While workplaces often prioritize cognitive culture (e.g., teamwork, innovation), nurturing emotional culture (based on love, joy, pride) is equally essential. Small gestures, like showing appreciation and offering support, can have a significant impact on employee morale.
As Liza Pavlakos, Founder of Mind Hub Directory, aptly puts it, “There is magnificence in the acceptance of unity, for, without diversity, this world would be an uninteresting place.” Cultivating an accepting workforce is the antidote to a more inclusive and harmonious work environment.
On a policy-making level, consider practices that foster greater affection, caring, compassion, and tenderness amongst employees. For example, former Cisco CEO John Chambers asked that he be notified within 48 hours if a close member of an employee’s family passed away. Ultimately, everyone wants to be cared for and loved. A study conducted by Harvard Business Review entitled Employees Who Feel Loved Perform Better found that 3,201 employees in seven different industries outperformed those not satisfied at their jobs.
As much as happiness can only exist in acceptance, care plays a huge role too. People need to feel understood and have a greater sense of purpose, led by someone who cares about their wellbeing. As Theodore Roosevelt aptly said: “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
At Mind Hub Directory, we offer you the private counselling, life coaching, and psychological practice you desire. Our subscription is the world’s first ready-to-go practice where we do the hard work, so you can serve your clients and thrive in your high-value tasks. Find out more here.
REFERENCES: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/encourage-acceptance-people-workplace-22248.html https://lexigo.com/affairs/acceptance-in-the-workplace-benefits-company-cultures/ https://www.themuse.com/advice/a-collaborative-culture-starts-with-acceptanceheres-why https://hbr.org/2014/01/employees-who-feel-love-perform-better https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/06/15/three-successful-ways-to-practice-empathetic-leadership-in-the-workplace/?sh=7e09059416cc https://www.hcamag.com/au/news/general/what-does-excellence-in-hr-really-look-like/316757
