Closing the loop

On tailoring workplaces for individual needs and preferences

Unless you live in a state where kids go back to school by mid August, you are likely still in the midst of the back to school transition. In an attempt to structure our rhythm at home too, we considered instituting earned screen time on a set schedule each day, post completion of all homework and chores. No more asking or wondering each day, more clarity on both sides, a win win. Our daughter embraced it immediately. Our son seemed significantly less thrilled than we expected. Luckily I had a break in my schedule that day and was able to spend time with him, leading to one of the most endearing and thought-provoking conversations we’ve had in a while. It turns out our son needs more flexibility, choice and independence as he grows older.

I am almost embarrassed as I write this as it sounds so self-evident. Yet it also demonstrates the power of making space for conversations like these in the moment, as well as the importance of capturing clues of a change in others’ preferences and needs over time (and ours). Owner’s manuals have existed in corporate settings for some time but they are far from ubiquitous. The manuals quickly become stale despite the efforts required to write them, which also assumes people are self-aware and apt (and comfortable) at expressing their needs. The ongoing rapid changes in our workplaces and the composition of the workforce present a unique opportunity to think creatively about uncovering and satisfying individual preferences while meeting team and organizational needs. If you are working on a creative solution to achieve that goal, please email me here and/or fill out this form. I look forward to hearing from you!