Effects of a Positive Work Culture on Families
by Jonthan Jones
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a client’s company picnic. The workers’ eagerness to introduce their loved ones to management was the first thing I noticed. There were enthusiastic greetings, such as “So, here is the great wife/husband/son/daughter I’ve been hearing about!” and “So, this is the boss I was telling you about!” These managers had made an honest attempt to learn about their employees’ personal lives. Thus, their sentiments were heartfelt. The company’s owner was moved by her business’s effect on so many individuals.
The benefits of fostering a positive culture in the workplace extend far beyond financial gains. If we’ve had a nice day at the office, we’re more likely to treat our loved ones with the same respect and kindness we’ve been shown at work when we get home. Workers learn by example how their bosses treat others, much as toddlers learn by watching their parents.
How a boss handles her employees impacts the habits they’ll bring home to their loved ones every night. Several studies have confirmed the connection between a toxic workplace and marriage dissolution. Observe the dynamic between upper management and employees at the next corporate party or barbecue you attend to get a sense of morale and cohesion. Then, examine how well you know the families of your employees and how they feel about you.
Leadership that prioritizes the company’s culture has far-reaching consequences—not only for our workers, but also for their families and the company as a whole in the years to come. Leadership abilities are essential to healthy communities and tend to be passed down to future generations.
Jonathan Jones (Jonathan.jones@vistagechair.com or 314-608-0783) is a CEO peer group chair/coach for Vistage International.