www.
nexmedia
.co.za
The corner office is often considered to be the prime location in terms of hierarchy in the
corporate world, this trend, however, is slowly dissipating. Why is there a need to have a big
office to yourself and to shout out orders to your ‘subordinates’?
Nex Media • THE CARING MANAGER
M
aking your institution or organisation a ‘happy place to be’ translates
directly to the company’s revenues and will also have an impact on
its outward appearance to the market. Staff happiness is a tangible
factor with very real influence on a company's success.
According to Forbes Magazine, there is a common trait that the top 5
companies to work for have in common, and that is employee well-being.
Google, for example, has an environment that promotes fun and encourages
employees to be philanthropic and to explore their creativity. If a person in
management invests some of his time in the well-being of the employees,
there are endless possibilities of what the organisation can achieve.
There is a whole host of stats that can be used as a reference, however, having
that human interaction is something that cannot be quantified. The old hierarchy
system is something that still has a place, however, there is a need to tweak the
way operations are carried out in companies, change the ‘us vs them’ into ‘us’.
Asking a low level employee their thoughts on a new project or simply enquiring
how they would tackle a certain issue, will make the employee seem valued
and understood.
I once had a conversation with a tea lady who worked in a factory-type of
environment what she thought would make the place better? She told me that
she runs out of sugar very often and she has to ration the sugar for a few days
because management is too busy when she asks for money from petty cash.
A simple thing like this speaks volumes; it talks of micro-management issues as
well as employee appreciation. Employees would say, ‘They can’t even get us
decent tea, that is how much they care for us’. These are small but realistic
examples of how a small – seemingly insignificant – issue can lead to
dissatisfaction in a company – with potentially disastrous consequences.
Personal interaction is very important and often goes unnoticed in companies,
taking 5 minutes out of your day to ask someone in your department or company
about their well-being or how their weekend was, can create an environment
where employees don’t just feel like a number.
‘If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in
helping them to become better than they are.’ – John W. Gardner (American
Writer and Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, 1912-2002)
About Sameer Ballim
Sameer is the founder of Qwest Business Solutions. He has more than 10 years'
experience in the financial and investment environments having worked on the
Stock Market with leading local and international corporations.
Part of his responsibilities were to analyse companies and give investors advice
on the research done on the company, also analysing major economic data and
advising clients thereof. During his tenure as an independent trader he was
responsible for handling the logistics and operations for CSI a company which is
based in Zambia. He has also consulted on Solar projects in Cameroon and has
a good network of financiers based in the UK and Europe.
Sameer offers companies a fresh perspective on the way businesses are run
along with a holistic look at the business to create a more employee and client-
friendly work environment.
Qwest Business Solutions
offers its clients professional
advice to ensure success. The
aim is to understand the needs
of the business owner in order to
develop a solution which will
ensure growth.
email:
website:
Sameer Ballim
The caring manager
By Sameer Ballim
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