Since ancient times, harvest has been a community endeavor. The harvest window was typically small and numerous laborers would be hired to complete the harvest in time. As these harvest arrangements were usually at-will, the landowner understood well that his reputation in how he treated his workers would impact his harvest for years to come. There were generally only three primary expectations on the landowner in these situations: 1) pay the laborers fairly, 2) train them as necessary, and 3) provide periodic refreshments.
Failure to meet these simple expectations could diminish or even cripple a landowner in future years. Unfair wages drives the laborers to some else’s fields in a competitive market. Failure to train or provide reasonable guidance to employees amounts to setting unreasonable expectations and leads to incalculable frustration and friction. Failure to provide adequate refreshment during the long, hot hours of manual work demonstrates a lack of empathy towards our fellow man, neglecting their needs and marginalizing their humanity.
It’s fair to say that most organizations recognize their duties of fair wages and providing necessary training. However, with regards to the third aspect of an employer’s responsibility, there is much opportunity yet available to most organizations.
Refreshing our employees is of mutual benefit. For the employee, refreshment renews their individual productivity, incrementally builds trust towards the employer, and affirms the value of long-term collaboration over short-term results. For the employer, refreshment demonstrates concern for and commitment to the individual, through a menial capital investment. The intangible trust and goodwill far outweigh the cost. An old Proverb promises, “Those who refresh will themselves be refreshed.”
Providing a cool drink of water in the hot fields is no longer the relevant expression of refreshment in our current times. We live in an age of high-tech virtual workforces with globalized supply chains. So, what is the embodiment of refreshment that speaks loudest to your organization? What recharges the minds and the souls of your employees so that they are best prepared to pour themselves into their work at the proper time? How can you minister to their needs in such a way that they are eager to return the favor in the form of excellence, enthusiasm, creativity, and productivity?
Here are few ideas for refreshment that you may consider using or even intensifying:
· Generous recognition for collective contributions and personal achievements
· Providing opportunities for personal and professional development without strings attached
· Invitations to participate in local community service projects or local events
· Adopting flexible scheduling and remote work policies
· Company-wide celebrations marking notable milestones
· Encouraging employees to interact socially while at work to foster richer relationships
· Drawing attention to individuals that embody specific virtuous values
· Promoting ongoing involvement opportunities in local community functions
· Sponsoring events that simultaneously energize your employees and enrich your community
· Soliciting ideas directly from employees on the things that they are passionate about outside of work and enabling their participation in those items
Lean in and Lean on.