A while ago I posted about #HRActsofKindness in the DPG Community HR Zone. It's a fascinating concept from Natalie Ellis helping us to consider ways in which we can demonstrate acts of kindness in our workplace and beyond.
This morning, over on Linked In this letter caught my eye. It's from an organisation addressed to the family members of an employee thanking them for their support and flexibility over the busy period in which their family member had been working.
It got me thinking of some similar gestures that have been made to my family by organisations I've been fortunate enough to work in. One was whilst I was employed by an organisation for a short period of just nine months. In that time, I found myself in a variety of unfortunate situations. The first was a condition that I had just a couple of months after starting that needed an operation and some rest and recovery time. It took a fair few weeks, but I was treated, sorted and recovered.
Probation period extended I returned to work eager to please and show my worth in my new job and make up for the lost time. I never could have predicted the events that occurred just a couple of months later. I was on my motorbike and involved in a terrible road traffic accident that very nearly cost me my life. Patched up, battered, bruised and broken, I remember the feeling I had when my wife received the biggest bunch of beautiful flowers from my new employer. On them, a simple message that read 'Thanks for looking after him - AGAIN!'. It was a gesture that meant the world to me and to her too. Sadly I had to make the decision to leave that organisation. I guess it just wasn't meant to be. But even today, I will never forget the heartfelt gesture those generous, thoughtful people in that particular organisation demonstrated at a time we needed it the most.
Demonstrating gratitude of those that matter to our team members, from this and the other experiences I have had, is probably one of the most powerful things we can do as employers.This letter, which costed little more than nothing, really sits well with me.
It should serve as a useful reminder to us all of the simple things we can all do to demonstrate #HRActsofKindness.
Replies
Thanks for sharing this Ady. I'm almost ashamed to admit that although I consider myself to be a particularly caring and empathetic HR manager, and had not (until now!) really given much thought to the families of our staff. I will now do so, thanks to your inspiring discussion post.
All the best,
Steve
Hi Steve,
It was a pleasure to share your L5 journey. During the programme when discussing Johari's windows I shared a previous blind spot that when nervous my feet wander about and that I had been known to bring a plant in and put it on a table to remind me to plant my feet. At the end of the programme you kindly produced a random act of kindness - a dancing plant!! This was alongside a few treats for all the 'family' like wildlife post its and badges. I have never forgotten that and think of it with a smile when presenting to a new audience and the feet start wandering...! Sometimes its the little touches in life that make a huge difference.
Love the post Ady and thanks a billion Steve,
Debbie
Thanks Debbie. What a nice gesture from Steve.
Hi Debbie, great to hear from you! I too remember that dancing plant - so pleased to hear that it worked, as long as it doesn't start you dancing instead of planting your feet! Don't think I'll ever forget my L5 journey with such a fab bunch of people, yourself very much included of course.
You are a particularly caring and empathetic HR Manager Steve and you look after your people admirably well. I don't think there should be shame. These are just the extra mile things that we can do. We never stop learning!
Hope you're well. Good to hear from you.
Cheers Ady. Hope to catch up again soon mate. Not so sure about going the extra mile though - I do enough running as it is, mention the words 'extra miles' to me and I go onto a cold sweat!
I feel my bones creaking and just the thought of that ;-)