Priya, a software engineer, swamped with work for days had a critical project deadline right at the week’s corner. She was consumed with her work when she got a call from home, she looked at her screen in shock with her eyes wide open. It took her a while to come back to her senses when she realized her colleagues were looking at her with concern.
She couldn’t think straight and had tears in her eyes, “It’s my mother, she is in critical care and needs urgent surgery.” She continued, “The deadline is in three days, what am I going to do?” “You should hurry to the hospital, work can wait.” She heard her boss, Tarun, who approached her desk to see what was happening over there.
She looked at him and he reassured her by saying, “Your mother needs you. Don’t stress about work. Family comes first, we will manage work.”
She sighed in relief making a ‘thank you’ gesture, grabbed her belongings, and rushed to the hospital.
Success in organizations springs by embracing care for each other. The professional world stands firm on the foundation of human connections. Care resonates from seniors to juniors, and also reciprocates as juniors care for their seniors and everyone in the collective. It’s this seamless exchange of care that forms the heartbeat of thriving workplaces, where success is not merely a destination but a journey paved with genuine concern for one another.
What is care, let us see
What is Care?
Building a culture of care starts with an individual’s self-assurance and self-care. On one end, when as a junior, you display care and respect to the above hierarchy in the organization, they are more likely to exude confidence and make better connections at work. On the other end, as a senior, you handle every situation with an empathetic response regarding juniors.
“Employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work.”
– Forbes
Care in the workplace goes beyond a mere obligation; it’s a conscious commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where colleagues feel valued, supported, and respected. Also as mentioned by IGI-Global — The concept of care is an organizational structure that incorporates a primary goal of fulfilling and promoting caring.
This extends to understanding the needs and concerns of others and taking action to address them. When we care for our colleagues, we create a workplace culture that thrives on empathy and compassion. Here are some actionable tips to develop caring abilities at your workplace:
Ability to Connect across the hierarchy
Connecting with colleagues, whether they’re newer or more experienced, is like making new friends. It’s about finding common ground and helping each other grow. Here’s how you can do it.
Imagine your workplace as a big family where everyone helps each other. Even if you’re new, you can still bring your unique skills and experiences to the table.
Mentorship programs are like having a wise friend to guide you. Like a mentor helps you with your challenges, you can learn from more experienced colleagues.
According to the Journal of the British Sociological Association, “Organisation carescapes’ is introduced as a conceptual framework, in which the ability to empathize with peers and juniors has been the identification and analysis of ‘care’ in employing organizations.”
How to do it:
- Open Communication: Indulge in an environment where open communication is encouraged. Make it clear that everyone’s input is valued, regardless of their position.
- Active Listening: Listening with full attention and intention allows you to understand and communicate in a sense that shows that you care about the time, energy, and focus spent on you.
- Body language: The way you react or respond to any workplace situation is displayed through your body language. Being genuinely active and alert reflects in the way you present yourself.
- Feedback Loops: Enabling an open-to-suggestions kinda environment is imperative on the leaders’ and seniors’ end i.e. devoid of any hesitation, fear, or shyness. feedback loops that allow junior employees to provide input and insights to senior management. This inclusivity fosters a sense of connection and involvement.
- Awareness: Acknowledge and celebrate the small wins in workplace helps the each other’s efforts create a sense of unity and appreciation.
Displaying Your Care: Actions & Words Matter!
Showing you care is like brightening someone’s day. It involves using kind words and taking helpful actions. Here’s how you can do it, step by step.
Imagine if your hard work is recognized and appreciated, just like when you get a compliment for a job well done. It makes you feel good, right? Well, that’s what recognizing your colleagues’ efforts can do too.
When you see a problem, don’t just point it out – try to devise solutions. It’s a bit like finding solutions to puzzles or problems together, which is more fun and caring than just talking about the issues. Here’s how to display your care effectively:
How to do it:
- Express Appreciation: Regularly express your appreciation for your colleagues. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in showing that you value their efforts.
- Helping Hand: Offer assistance proactively. If you see a colleague struggling with a task, lend a helping hand without being asked.
- Kind Gestures: Small acts of kindness, such as bringing coffee or sharing a treat, can brighten someone’s day and show that you care.
- Encourage Positivity: Promote a positive atmosphere by sharing inspiring quotes, organizing team-building activities, or creating a culture of support.
- Clear Communication: Be transparent and honest in your communication. Sharing information openly demonstrates that you care about your colleagues’ involvement and understanding.
Reading Between the Lines
Sometimes, people don’t say what’s on their mind, but you can still understand their feelings. It’s a bit like when a friend looks sad even though they don’t say anything. Here’s how to read between the lines at work.
Imagine you have a friend who seems a bit off. Instead of just asking what’s wrong, you can approach them privately and see if they need help, just like how you’d check on a friend who looks upset.
Silence during meetings can be a sign that someone has concerns but doesn’t know how to share them. By creating a safe space for colleagues to express their worries, you can make your workplace more caring.
How to do it:
- Body Language: Pay attention to body language and non-verbal cues. They often reveal emotions and concerns that may not be expressed verbally.
- Active Listening: Listen not only to what’s being said but also to what’s not being said. Sometimes, silence or hesitation can be an indicator of unspoken worries.
- Feedback Channels: Create channels for anonymous feedback or confidential discussions where colleagues can share their thoughts without fear of reprisal.
- Regular Check-Ins: Conduct regular check-ins with your colleagues to discuss their well-being, concerns, and ideas. Consistent communication helps you read between the lines effectively.
Being Proactive
Being proactive means taking the initiative to help your colleagues, juniors, or even seniors, when you encounter, those who are distressed about any situation. It’s like you become available for them without any hesitations or any second thoughts. Here’s how you can be more proactive in caring for your colleagues.
Imagine you notice a colleague struggling with a project. Instead of waiting for them to ask for help, you can offer your assistance. It’s like being the friend who helps another friend when they need it.
Team-building events can be a lot of fun, just like playing games with your friends. By organizing events that bring colleagues together, you can create a more united and friendly workplace.
How to do it:
- Initiate Conversations: Don’t wait for others to start conversations. Take the initiative to connect with your colleagues and ask about their well-being.
- Organize Team-Building Activities: Plan team-building events or activities that encourage interaction and camaraderie among colleagues.
- Suggest Solutions: When you notice challenges or issues, don’t just point them out. Suggest solutions and offer to work collaboratively to address them.
- Support Personal Development: Encourage your colleagues to pursue personal and professional development opportunities. Your proactive support can make a significant difference.
- Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate the personal and professional milestones of your colleagues, whether it’s a birthday, a work anniversary, or a personal achievement.
A Smile Can Make a Difference
Sharing positive energy with a smile can be like giving your friends a boost of happiness. It’s like creating a positive and motivating atmosphere at work. Starting your day with a smile is like beginning a day on a positive note, and it can affect you and your colleagues, making the workplace more cheerful. Because it’s not about taking care of others but for yourself as well.
A warm greeting with a smile is like a welcoming note to your friends. It helps your colleagues feel valued and comfortable in the workplace. A friendly smile during conversations shows you care about your colleagues’ words, making them feel heard and appreciated.
Empathy and Choice of Words
Empathy is like understanding how your friends feel and being there for them. It’s about acknowledging your colleagues’ emotions and supporting them. Here’s how you can empathize at work.
“The way your employees feel is the way your customers will feel. And if your employees don’t feel valued, neither will your customers.”
– Sybil F. Stershic (Author and Workplace Consultant)
Practice perspective-taking, just like trying to see things from your colleagues’ point of view. It helps you understand your colleagues better. Adding to that, the words you use can make a big difference in how you come across your colleagues, as well. It’s like choosing the right words to speak kindly and inspire others. Here’s how you can make mindful word choices at work.
Positive language is like being cheerful and uplifting in your conversations. It can spread positivity and create a caring atmosphere at work.
How to do it:
- Practice Perspective-Taking: Put yourself in your colleagues’ shoes and try to understand their viewpoints and emotions.
- Offer a Listening Ear: When your colleagues need to talk, provide a listening ear without judgment. Simply being there can make a difference.
- Validate Feelings: Acknowledge your colleagues’ feelings and experiences. Validation demonstrates that you respect their emotions.
- Use Positive Language: Opt for positive and uplifting language in your communication. Positivity is contagious and fosters a caring atmosphere.
- Avoid Negative Phrases: Refrain from using negative phrases or criticism that may hurt your colleagues’ feelings.
Care isn’t a one-time task; it’s a daily practice that involves every individual in an organization. From the newest team member to the most experienced leader, everyone plays a role in nurturing a culture of care. Remember that building a culture of care is not a destination but a journey.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.5153/sro.1978
https://hbr.org/1988/11/in-praise-of-followers
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/taking-care-of-your-employees
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/353975/build-care-management-strategy.aspx
Written By: Jimmy Jain
Edited By: Afreen Fatima
Society of Design Thinking Professionals
