Editorial: About workable work and not living in a bubble

I recently heard a Securex employee talking about workable work on the radio. A survey by the HR service provider had shown that employees who experience a lot of stress do not see themselves working until the age of 67 or longer. Securex is not only a payroll service provider; the company also gives personnel policy advice. As Securex provides the HR instruments companies need to achieve more success, the latter are not only prepared to invest a lot of money in consultancy but also listen carefully when the consultants talk about the importance of workable work as a preliminary condition for a longer career.

In spite of my occasional nagging, I am part of the group of employees who feel comfortable at work. However, I also realise that things may change quickly. I am not in a bubble. All around me I see what work does to people. The speed at which changes are occurring, the introduction of new technologies and methodologies, the impact of KPIs and the accompanying workload, the evenings and weekends (and even days off) spent on work… The current work pressure is enormous. Within the foreseeable future, we will look back on what is happening now and wonder how so many companies could treat their employees in such an inept way.

I concur that leadership plays an important role in workable work. Within their organisations, business leaders bear part of the responsibility to stimulate a climate of well-being and trust. Attention to meaningful work, personal development and engagement require a certain style of leadership. As a team coach I also try to promote and apply that. My colleagues and I reap the benefits of this approach together.

 Within the foreseeable future, we will look back on what is happening now and wonder how so many companies could treat their employees in such an inept way.’

Do you want to support workable work at your company? Would you like to do this as an employee representative? Do not hesitate to contact us and share your thoughts with us on the matter.