Organizations for people : caring cultures, basic needs, and better lives

Table of Contents: PART 1: KINDNESS IN THE WORKPLACE Chapter 1: Mo Chapter 2: Vergonnen Chapter 3: Kindness Chapter 4: Unruly Chapter 5: Community Chapter 6: Basic Needs PART 2: HUMAN NEEDS Chapter 7: Belonging Chapter 8: Meaning Chapter 9: Autonomy Chapter 10: Self-Acceptance Chapter 11: Self-Confidence Chapter 12: Growth

There has been considerable discussion on employee engagement as a strategy to increase corporate earnings and decrease absenteeism and turnover for many years. However, this discourse has not improved businesses. In reality, the research indicates that incidents of incivility and staff maltreatment are increasing. In addition, because profit is the fundamental objective of corporations, the majority of employees consider whatever benevolent treatment they receive as a secondary amenity that will go if the company's fortunes collapse. This book inverts this equation by exploring the actions of twenty-one organisations that prioritise employee demands and interests. Profits are vital but insufficient for the health of an organisation. The companies profiled in this book regard it as their purpose to provide people with a better, more satisfying life, and to aid in this holistic journey by providing the organisational aspects individuals require to attain their full potential. First, they cultivate cultures that are polite and considerate, treating everyone as an equal, sentient partner in the company's success. Second, they work carefully to provide people's fundamental needs: financial security, belonging, meaning, autonomy, self-acceptance, self-confidence, and development. The outcome is a network of fellow-feeling: sincere attachment among individuals who strive arduously to meet both the institution's high expectations and their commitments to one another. By creating an environment where people can thrive as individuals and as members of a cohesive community, everyone benefits.