Work Better Together: How to cultivate authentic human connections at work to maximize well-being and boost bottom lines – Jen Fisher & Anh Nguyen Phillips

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EPISODE NOTES

For years, companies have been implementing programs that promote social responsibility and improve employee health, both of which benefit the financial bottom line. 

Now it’s time to focus on positive social interactions and relationships in the workplace.

Why? 

Research shows that authentic, trust-based relationships increase job satisfaction, engagement, productivity, and retention – and even decreased healthcare costs. 

In Work Better Together, Jen Fisher & Anh Nguyen Phillips, two experts from Deloitte explain how working remotely, over-relying on digital communication, and always being “on” is fast-increasing feelings of isolation and burnout – and how a work culture driven by quality relationships can reverse these trends by:

• Focusing on self-care, such as physical health, quality sleep, and taking time off
• Tapping into human skills, such as empathy, authenticity, and communication
• Using technology with intentionality 
• Managing workplace relationships with quality collaboration throughout the organization,  including when working remotely 
• Being aware of the importance of human connections and relationships for happiness and well-being

In this episode, our guest is one of the two authors, Anh Philips.

Anh is a researcher, author, and former management consultant who has dedicated her career to exploring the interplay between technology and humanity. As the research director for Deloitte’s Global CEO Program, Anh directs research teams that help executives and other leaders navigate a changing world.

In this conversation, Ahn walks us through how to fuel a much-needed corporate movement towards humanity in the workplace to meet today’s employees’ most urgent needs, while benefiting organizations in real and measurable ways.  

Enjoy!

TAKE-AWAYS

Here are 3 of the many take-aways from this great episode:

• Technology can be like junk food if not intentional: it can feel great in the moment but if we use it too much as a replacement for authentic relationships, it will not contribute to our well-being. It is about asking how we can use technology in a way that enhances our relationships in the workplace and in our lives.
• If you want to create trusted teams, it means encouraging and supporting people to bring their whole selves to work. Human beings are made up of emotions. 
• Everybody has to take responsibility and agency for their own well-being. You have to set boundaries that allow you to be a whole person. You have to get clear on what your boundaries are so you can play the long game. Because if you are following someone else’s vision of success for you instead of your own, you are going to end up being miserable and probably burned out.
• Organizations that will truly thrive in this hybrid work future will recognize the value of the human in the workplace. What have historically been viewed as “soft skills” are actually essential skills, like being able to build relationships and be empathetic and compassionate and creative. 
• Remember however busy you are, to keep the pulse on whether you are spending your time, in your personal and professional life, in alignment with what you want to be on your epitaph in the end of your life. Sometimes, it is about cutting out / simplifying what might not be high priority or critical to you or adding value … Do not keep on autopilot blindly without being intentional.
• Regardless of your seniority level and role, you can influence and shape organisational culture or decide to perpetrate it.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Jen Fisher – Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte – LinkedIn

Jen Fisher is  Deloitte Consulting’s Chief Well-Being Officer in the United States. In this role, she drives the strategy and innovation around work-life, health, and wellness. She empowers Deloitte’s people to prioritize their well-being so they can be at their best in both their professional and personal lives.

• Ahn Phillips – Researcher, Author, Management Consultant – LinkedIn

Anh is a researcher, author, and former management consultant who has dedicated her career to exploring the interplay between technology and humanity. As the research director for Deloitte’s Global CEO Program, Anh directs research teams that help executives and other leaders navigate a changing world.

• Work Better Together: How to Cultivate Strong Relationships to Maximize Well-Being and Boost Bottom by Jen Fisher  (Author), Anh Phillips (Author)

• Deloitte Work Well Podcast Series

• In the news:
  • How to prioritize relationships and well-being at work: A WorkWell podcast
  • 5 toxic workplace myths that cut into motivation: Fast Company
  • Work friends make life happier. Here’s how to make them when you’re remote: Fast Company
  • Human connection is the key to our hybrid future: Thrive Global
  • The great mistake leaders make about empathy and accountability: Forbes

If you are ready to create a more intentional and regret-free life and career that unlocks your unique potential and lights you up, start here!

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