I asked 10 people where they thought this picture was taken. 10 out of 10 said it was the wellness section of some hotel. Some guessed the city, one even the hotel. The truth is that the picture was taken at the top floor of the business office of one of our clients.
Is there room for culture in the office?
Then I asked them if this room with that view was in their office, what would be the function of it? 6 said it would be a meeting room for clients, 4 said it would be the CEO’s office. None of them said that it would be, just like on the picture, a recreational, relaxation, resting, quiet space for staff for a quick recharge, a power nap, a peace of mind room that is free of mobile phones, smart watches or any other electronic equipment. Because it is not in their frame of reference. In their world, office, culture such a function, such a room does not exist.
In that company it is there for all employees, the prime location devoted to the prime goal of keeping ourselves sane, energized, focused, balanced. On the day of my visit there weren’t many users of this opportunity, but I hear the location is properly used for the function. And more.
Can a quiet room speak louder than words?
It is not only a recreation room. It is a manifesto of value. It is leadership in action. It is the reality of putting people first. It is the reaction on the understanding of the needs of others who are important to us. It is care, service, dedication, commitment beyond words. A reminder of who we are, how we relate to our work and to each other. And more.
The company is in the road transportation business. I was also in a very senior position once in a similar company. The core is a group of lone riders living their life on the road, engine below them, cargo behind them. The drivers, the leaders. You can list the disadvantages of their work until the cows come home, but they have one benefit, they get the best view, first row, first seat on the left. Legal regulations bind them to rest regularly for their and for others’ safety. Providing an opportunity to rest for the office staff is not a regulation. It is a choice. We are defined by our choices. Leaders lead through their choices.
Some choose to provide a space to share their view with the team, to let them revisit it every now and then, to let them relate to it, and to allow them to rest and make balanced decisions.
Fábián László
