Beyond the Clock: Understanding Human Behavior in the Workplace
Why Working Late Isn’t Just About the Hours You Clock In
Have you ever noticed how working late often sparks a conversation? Perhaps it’s a Friday night and the office is buzzing, or maybe it’s one of those dreary Mondays where the clock seems to mock you. The other day, I overheard a colleague explain why they were still buried in their work well into the evening. “Two parents haven’t picked up their kids from the crèche,” they said.
And then came the suggestion that made me pause: “Charge them a late fee. That should sort it.” But guess what? This suggestion turned sour. Implementing the fee didn’t encourage responsibility; instead, it created an environment where late pick-ups became a convenient choice. You see, it’s a classic case of behaviour backfiring due to a lack of understanding.
Understanding Human Behaviour in the Workplace
So, what does this all mean? It’s a remarkable reminder of the complexities of human behaviour. At City Skills, we see this as a vital aspect of our workplace culture. It’s more than just counting the hours you’re spending in the office or at your desk. Here’s the real truth:
- People don’t always act rationally.
- Motivation isn’t purely driven by rules and fines.
- Understanding emotions fosters stronger connections.
When a parent is late to pick up their child, it’s not always about their work ethic. It could be a last-minute meeting, a difficult day, or just plain bad luck. When we shift our focus from strictly adhering to the clock to considering the emotions at play, we allow ourselves to connect on a deeper level.
The Emotional Landscape of the Office
As leaders—and indeed as team members—navigating this emotional landscape is essential. We often look at productivity through the lens of time sheets and project deadlines. But what if we flipped that on its head? What if we looked at the quality of work and the happiness of our team instead?
My own experience echoes this sentiment. I once managed a team that thrived in a flexible environment where results were valued more than presence. We adopted a culture of trust, allowing people to work late when necessary, but also encouraging them to leave early when it meant improving their well-being. It was a game-changer.
Will Charging Late Fees Really Help?
Now, let’s circle back to that late fee suggestion. It raises a pertinent question: will penalties prompt better behaviour? The answer, I believe, is a resounding no in many cases. Instead, they can foster resentment or a feeling of being undervalued. When we try to manage behaviour through fines or rules, we fail to see the human side of the story—the fear of judgement, the stress of constant deadlines, or simply the joy of a well-deserved break.
It’s critical to understand that motivation can’t solely be driven by financial consequences or regulations. Interestingly, some employees might see it as a free pass rather than a wake-up call. A deeper connection and more open dialogue often yield far better results.
Creating a Culture of Care
So how can we address these nuances of human behaviour within our teams? Start by fostering an environment of open communication. Ask questions, listen to your team, and encourage them to share their challenges. Flexibility plays a significant role here. Can you easily accommodate a parent who needs to leave early on some days? Little gestures go a long way.
At the end of the day, it’s about creating a culture of care and understanding. Emphasising empathy allows us to build stronger connections and ultimately, a more productive, engaged, and satisfied workforce.
Final Thoughts
As you ponder this, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How are you tackling the complexities of human behaviour in your workplace? Are you ready to move beyond just counting hours to understanding what’s really going on in your team? Let’s create a conversation around it!
#CitySkills #Leadership #HumanBehaviour
