Broadcasts.com - "Work as Family" (Life is Work)

RESULT: To discuss the concept of a “work family” - how this term is frequently used, why using this as a term is complicated/problematic, and how to make changes in your organization that reflect the intention of using this phrase more positively for all employees.
Canmecdote - sick day & birthday

Protein - Main Event - Topic d’jour

Definition
- Shoutout to our original definition of work as family in Ep 4 Work Culture “We’re like family here” vs. we’re like a very shitty, unhealthy, problematic, dysfunctional family here
Problems
- #1: This phrase can mean a lot of different things to different people, depending on:
  - What family means to those in power who set the culture
  - How the community of employees internalizes this message based on /their/ experiences
- #2: Not only can it mean a lot of different things, but the things it means can cultivate the v opposite of a positive work environment, regardless of intention. Different interpretations/manifestations can be:
  - Hanging out outside of work hours is important here
    - Shoutout to our listener question a few episodes ago who really wanted to stop feeling pressured to hang out at work events to keep talking about work
  - Leaving early/on time will be perceived that you do not care about your coworkers or your work
  - Boundaries a lil blurry overall, hope that’s cool
  - Developing close relationships with those in power may be essential to your success here, regardless of your personal boundaries
  - How to take the intention and do it well.
Strategy Pt. 1: Say What You Mean
- We care about you
- We want to get to know you as a whole person, in whatever way is comfortable for you
- We want to support your wellbeing
- Transparent communication is a company value
Strategy Pt 2: Have Actions to Accompany What You Mean
- We are about you → A cultural norm for our organization is sharing our hobbies and planning team building events that honor things that are important to our team members/We match donations to organizations of your choice/we grant X number of vacation/personal days
- We want to get to know you as a whole person → we encourage you to dress in what is more comfortable for you/expresses your personality and identity
- We want to support your wellbeing → Flexible work schedules that work for you within this framework/we value personal check ins at the start of our weekly meetings to check in mental and emotional health (Cam’s mental health moment)
- Transparent communication is a company value → we have partnered with consulting firms (PLLC?!) to train and implement Compassionate Communication in every aspect of our work/Dynamic Governance model
Further Ways to Impact
- We’re like family here”
  - As an Individual
    - Communicate needs clearly - what support do you need? Communicate your boundaries
    - You determine what ‘family’ means to you, you are not obligated to conform to the business’ definition of family. Make sure you understand their definition and assess if it aligns with how you want to be treated at work
  - As a Leader
    - Family means different things to different people - provide clarification for what this phrase means
    - Choose a different phrase - we care about you, we see you as a whole person and want to support your wellbeing, etc.

Mel’s Mindful Minute: 31:18

6 movements of the spine

We Are Always Students

No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work by Liz Fosslien & Mollie West Duffy
Parks & Recreation
Restoring Sanctuary: A New Operating System for Trauma-Informed Systems of Care by Sandra L. Bloom

Sharing is Self-Caring

Self-care
- What boundaries are important to you at work?
  - Be intentional, are these preferences your choice?
  - When you’ve determined your preferences, how can you communicate them?
Community-care
What are your co-worker’s boundaries?
If you’re not sure, what are some ways you can determine what they are?
- Suggestions: work culture survey (anonymous, if needed. Be clear about intentions)
- How can you support your coworkers’ preferences?
Systems-care
- Who determines the culture of your work place?
- Who do you and others look to for direction on what is acceptable/expected?

Reach Out!

lifeisworkpod.com
- Find questions submission link
Insta & Twitter - @ lifeisworkpod
info@palanteconsulting.com