Three Wishes

Adaptions. Considerations. Respect.

These things, to me, are the hallmarks of a good employer. Every single employee needs adaptions ... that's cause they all come with various strengths and inevitable weaknesses. All workers need consideration ... that's cause they all come from the real world with real relationships. All who draw a paycheck need respect ... that's because no job is just about the money. We, each of us, want to feel that we are valued as both an employee and a person. Simply put, it matters that we matter.

For that reason I'm going to give a 'shout out' to Vita Community Living Services today. I have been accused in the past about 'promoting' Vita too much on this blog. Maybe I do, but I think its natural for a writer who writes about his life to, um, write about his life. And as so much 'life' is lived at work, how can that not be grist for the mill. Criticism aside, I'm writing this not to promote Vita but to demonstrate what flexible employment looks like. It's not so hard a thing to understand but it seems to boggle the minds of those who only think from 9 to 5.

A few days ago I was approached at work and it was explained to me that the elevator at the office needs to be replaced. In fact, it has to be ripped out and then a new one brought in and installed. Yikes. As my office is up a flight of stairs, the elevator for me is mandatory. Here's what was done:

1) Vita's head office is closed between Christmas and New Years. Work still happens, of course, but through alternate means. So they've arranged that the bulk of the work be done when I wouldn't be in the office anyways.

2) I was given enough notice so that I could schedule the three days that I was planning to be in differently such that I was either able to work at home or have meetings elsewhere.

3) My home computer and the work computer can talk to each other so that I can log on at home to the computer at work. I can respond as if I'm actually sitting there on the second floor.

So, though I won't be at work, physically, my presence will still be there. It's only three days so the disruption is minimal.

What was noteworthy was the fact that my needs as an employee was considered in the decision making, scheduling was done to minimize the impact on my work life as an employee, my value to the organization was communicated to me by the process followed.

Everyone wins here. I feel valued by the organization so my loyalty increases. The organization benefits because my commitment to it and its values becomes firmer. It's a relationship of mutual benefit that comes from mutual respect. An easy equation. I wonder how many organizations would benefit from just a wee drop off what we all need.

Adaptions. Considerations. Respect.