Meaningful Workplaces: Reframing How and Where We Work

A recent on-line educational seminar with The Network of Family Businesses, Dr. Neal Chalofsky, (Professor with The George Washington University, my Dissertation Chair, and friend) helped the membership gain a “New Perspective” or a “Reframing” of what goes into meaningful work. The seminar was based on the book Neal recently released by the same title. His findings and beliefs culminated from over ten years of research in organizations of all shapes and sizes.

Neal examined how the nature of work has changed over the years, what it is that makes a meaningful workplace, finding purpose in work, and how the culture of the organization and Business Family can drive commitment and engagement. He was quick to add that being committed to the organization does not necessarily mean one is engaged and vice versa. A meaningful workplace seeks to provide an environment where individuals are both committed to and engaged in the organization and work.

Another fascinating model (or way to look at something) was Neal’s concept of ‘Integrated Wholeness’. Integrated Wholeness is a sense of self, the work, and a sense of life balance and integration. These three key elements are crucial for meaningful work.

As I have experienced Neal in the past, he always provides very thought provoking ideas to ponder, and put into practice. Three key takeaways for a Meaningful Workplace require us:

1. To think and view all stakeholders (described as not only family members, but employees, community, vendors, customers, etc) as extended family and strive to create a functional organization.

2. For a meaningful workplace / environment we need to look at how we treat each family member and other individuals on a day to day basis, knowing we are building culture in the nurturing of relationships. It is not what we pass on to the next generation through our estate or the ‘perks’ that build meaningful workplaces, it is the culture we create.

3. To examine ourselves. We all have a moral imperative to help provide people with a meaningful place to work. If individuals’ can find meaning in their work, it can be a ‘win-win’ and Business Families may realize an increase in productivity and / or profit.

As Neal stated, “When you go to work each day knowing what you do makes a difference, that your voice is heard, that your work is meaningful, and that you enjoy the company of your colleagues, then you are truly part of a workplace community”.

This seminar can be viewed in the archives of The Network of Family Businesses at www.netfamilybusiness.com

Thanks Neal for a terrific and thought provoking seminar.