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Leaders who are supportive, encouraging and actively seek to build collaborative relationships can create a culture of engagement, productivity and trust that is beneficial to employer and employees alike, writes Gontse Madumo, Talent Acquisition Lead for Sub Saharan Africa at Mondelēz International.
By Gontse Madumo, Talent Acquisition Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at Mondelēz International
This is underlined by the Harvard Business Review (2019), which found that a high sense of belonging increased job performance by 56%, reduced turnover risk by 50% and contributed to a 75% reduction in absenteeism due to sickness.
Notably, one the most important developments of our time is the rise of collaboration over competition. Employees who trust and respect one another are more likely to work effectively and contribute their best ideas. This leads to better decision-making and more successful outcomes for the company.
Culture fit and the “whole self”
Many organisations preach the “come as you are” approach, suggesting that people bring their “whole selves” to work. However, the lived experience can be different when an individual’s whole self doesn’t fit in. Organisations have a responsibility to recruit for a culture fit. While risks can be taken on certain elements of the job, they should not be taken on culture fit.
Once employees have been recruited for their culture fit, employers should prioritise opportunities for teams to get to know each other outside of the work environment to foster trust and respect. Activities such as team building encourage open communication and collaboration.
Having a culture of respect and recognition also aids in building strong work relationships, as employees who feel appreciated for their contributions are more inclined to support one another.
Importantly, work relationships are inextricably linked to employees’ work ethic. As a set of values, attitudes and principles that inform an individual’s approach to work, work ethic encompasses productivity, punctuality, professionalism, accountability, integrity and honesty.
Employees with a strong work ethic are more likely to have effective and beneficial working relationships with their colleagues. Their ability to demonstrate commitment to their work amplifies the respect and trust they receive from others.
