5 Top Benefits of Awe-Inspired Workplaces
With fierce competition for top talent, forward-thinking companies must be intentional about creating their workplace culture. Studies show that 30% of job seekers leave their jobs within the first 90 days citing culture issues. Losing an employee is incredibly costly and disruptive (just ask Uber). When your very own corporate culture is at least partly to blame, it’s time to start thinking hard about the workplace you want to create so your employees — and your business — can thrive.
Want a proven way to boost everything from retention and productivity to morale and motivation? Infuse your company culture with the emotion of awe. Studies show when companies create ways for employees to experience awe, they improve their odds of having productive, satisfied workers. There’s more: When your employees feel both dedicated and inspired, they help your customers feel the same way. No wonder companies that cultivate awe in the workplace are likely to see an uptick in their bottom line.
Here are five compelling reasons to cultivate an awe-inspired workplace.
INSPIRED WORKPLACES ARE ALTRUISTIC + CREATIVE
Awe makes us feel connected to something larger than ourselves, and this connects us to a deeper sense of purpose. When we shift our focus away from ourselves and towards the greater good, we move from being “me-centered” to “we-centered.” Research shows that awe may even leave people feeling more kind and generous. As we adjust our thinking and open our minds to new possibilities, creativity can flourish.
EMPLOYEES EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF BELONGING
Everyone wants to feel connected, and since we spend over a third of lifetime at work, the connections we make there are really important. Sharing experiences of awe help your employees build a deeper bond, both to each other and to the overarching mission of your business. Expect collaboration, communication, alignment and engagement to follow.
AWE BOOSTS CRITICAL THINKING
Experts say experiences of awe helps people hone their critical thinking, understand scientific reasoning and more readily dismiss weak arguments. Since running a successful company requires sharp thinking on all fronts, perhaps it’s time to expose your key teams to awe — and then watch them do business better than ever.
EMPLOYEES HELPS KEEP DRUDGERY AT BAY
Awe expands our perception of time, improves our focus and makes us more patient. When employees share core values and a strong sense of purpose, they get inspired by the greater vision, so even tedious tasks feel less onerous. Creating a work environment where employees can leverage their strengths and passions for the sake of a bigger purpose means no one’s counting the minutes until it’s quitting time.
INCREASES IN FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Awe-inspired work culture is directly linked to increases in financial performance. In recent research conducted by Personnel Review examining Glassdoor data and the relationship between employee happiness and financial performance, a clear link was found. The more positive ratings a company had, the more likely the company was to experience higher return over assets, operation margins and revenue per employee. The value of an awe-inspired culture translates right to the bottom line.
Candra Canning is the founder of Live Bright Now. She’s been coaching corporate leaders + teams to brighten their performance for over 20 years. Candra believes a bright company culture creates bright individuals + bright communities — even a brighter world.
