Don't forget to be human
Technology advancement and the pandemic have combined to accelerate big changes in the world of work but what hasn't changed is our human need for connection and a sense of belonging.
Erica Keswin, workplace strategist and author of Bring Your Human to Work, says that "we can't let technology stand-in for real human connection. We need to look at the impact of technology and determine best practices".
Keswin believes there is one thing we can all do to ensure a more human workplace - honour relationships in everything we do - and that means finding "the sweet spot" between tech and connect. It's knowing when to use technology to deepen relationships and when to put it in it's place and invest that extra effort and time into human moments. Relationships take time and effort to move beyond transaction and into meaningful connections, but the benefits for everyone involved are worth it.
Extensive research by Gartner confirms that in our increasingly digital world, we all need a more human workplace steered by 'human leaders'. Their research has identified three components that make up human leadership - Authenticity, Empathy and Adaptability.
Feeling connected to our colleagues and our organisations helps us to grow - personally and professionally - and when leaders make connection a priority, performance, productivity and well-being go up and talent stays. It's win-win for organisations and us as individuals!
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