Jennifer Webster’s Post

An Arizona Wells Fargo employee was found dead at her desk four days after clocking into work. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱❗️ Denise Prudhomme's story isnt being talked about much, but here's why it should! In a world that often prioritizes productivity and efficiency over empathy and compassion, it's easy to lose sight of the human element in the workplace. But let's remember that we are not just cogs in a machine; we are individuals with unique stories, experiences, and emotions. While our jobs may demand our attention, it's equally important to foster a sense of belonging and support among our colleagues. A workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and cared for is not only more productive but also more humane. Yes! Your boss is NOT your parent ! Yes! Your colleagues aren't all your friends ! Yes! Your team isn't your family ! and Yes! Your office isnt your 2nd Home! BUT, there is always a scope or if I may dare, a need for interpersonal connections in the long run. Humanizing with others, feeling their curcumstances and developing relationships with those around us is what makes us human and that should not be lost in todays ultra tense & fiercly competitive environment. In the middle of all our ruthless hustling, brilliant ideas, ground breaking strategies and out of the box implementations, lets leave some space for empathy :) because at the end of the day, we are who are, beacuse we can empathize. Let's strive to create a culture where we look out for one another, offer a helping hand, and celebrate each other's successes. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one feels alone or unnoticed.🌱 #WorkplaceHumanity #MentalHealthAwareness #EmpathyInBusiness #WellBeing #WellBeingMatters

🚩Red Flag Alert: "We treat our people like a family!"🚩 If you hear this during your next job hunt, take a moment to think twice. While it might sound heartwarming to be part of a "family" at work, the reality can be far from ideal. According to the Harvard Business Review, this metaphor often signals an unhealthy workplace culture. When a company likens itself to a family, it can blur the lines between professional and personal boundaries, creating an unbalanced power dynamic. In such environments, your boss may not just be your boss—they might act like a parent, expecting loyalty and obedience over teamwork and fair value exchange. As Melissa Urban highlights in The Book of Boundaries, the "family" narrative can leave you feeling disempowered and unable to set the healthy boundaries that are crucial for your well-being. “ “Employees often feel obliged to protect the “family” at any cost- including working unreasonable hours, behaving unethically, and not reporting their “brothers and sisters” for wrongdoing. “ She mentions. ‼️Next time you're considering a job offer, ask about the company culture. If they say, "We're like a family," it might be wise to keep looking. From “The Book of Boundaries” Set the limits that will set you free Melissa Urban #WorkplaceCulture #JobHunt #CareerAdvice #HealthyBoundaries #Organisationalculture

RESPECT AND RECOGNITION: THE NEW WORKPLACE CURRENCY Money is important, but it’s not the only factor that keeps us motivated at work. Many people make the leap to new roles because they want more than just a paycheck—they want respect, recognition, and to feel truly valued. 🌟 It’s crucial to be in an environment where your contributions matter and your voice is heard. At the end of the day, a fulfilling job isn’t just about what you earn—it’s about how you’re treated. 🤝 Agree? Let’s continue striving for work environments where everyone feels respected and appreciated. 🙌 #WorkCulture #JobSatisfaction #EmployeeValue #RespectInTheWorkplace #CareerGrowth

Building a True Culture of Care When you hear a company say, "We're like a family," it’s often a red flag. Too often, this phrase is used to justify overworking employees, blurring boundaries, and asking for sacrifices that go beyond what’s reasonable in a professional environment. But building a culture that feels like family isn’t about using catchy phrases—it’s about how you treat people every day. At its core, a workplace that fosters a family-like connection comes down to respect, empathy, and genuine care. It’s not about how hard someone works; it’s about recognizing their humanity, celebrating their individuality, and showing them they matter beyond their role. That’s what creates a culture where people feel safe, valued, and appreciated. This weekend, I had the privilege of celebrating one of our own, in a way that had nothing to do with work. We surprised them with a birthday party at my home—a gathering filled with laughter, good food, and great company. It was a moment to let them know they are more than just an employee; they are a valued part of something bigger. It’s in these moments—when we go beyond transactional relationships and create personal connections—that the true meaning of a supportive culture is revealed. Actions speak louder than slogans, and this weekend was a powerful reminder that building a strong team is about showing up for each other, on and off the clock. To anyone striving to create a culture that feels like family: start by treating people with kindness and care—because that’s what truly makes the difference.

From Colleagues to Colleagues: A Reflection on Time, Growth, and Respect Do you remember the day you first walked into this workplace, full of energy, ambition, and drive? Perhaps it was 10, 15, or even 20 years ago—or more. Tasks felt simpler, your pace quicker, and challenges were met with relentless enthusiasm. Those were valuable times, weren’t they? But time has its way. Seasons change, and so do we. Many of us are no longer in our 20s, 30s, or even 40s. We've slowed down, taken heed of our physical health, and embraced a different rhythm of life. It’s not weakness—it’s wisdom born from experience, a carefulness shaped by years of dedication and resilience. Yet, how often have we felt a sting of misunderstanding from our younger colleagues? They may not yet grasp that we are not the same people we were decades ago—though, in spirit, we remain youthful and vibrant. This lack of understanding can unintentionally lead to pain, frustration, and a disconnect between generations in the workplace. This is why I’m writing to spark a thought. To remind everyone—especially our younger colleagues—that aging is a privilege. One day, they too will stand in our shoes, experiencing the same shifts and challenges. What they offer today, they will one day need: compassion, patience, and understanding. Now is the time to nurture a culture of respect and empathy—one that values the unique contributions of each season of life. Let’s recognize that every stage has its strengths and that diversity in age enriches the workplace. By doing so, we foster an environment where everyone feels honored, valued, and supported—a place where collaboration thrives because it’s built on mutual respect. Let’s commit to being a workplace where understanding transcends generations. It’s not just about adapting to change—it’s about shaping a legacy of dignity and inclusivity that benefits us all. What do you think? Can we take this step together?

I'm curious to know if anyone else feels similarly... I understand the misuse and abuse of companies who call themselves a 'family'. I agree that the sentiment has been used to set unreasonable expectations, excuse unprofessional behavior, and has been used to obliterate work/life boundaries. But this isn't the case for all of us, and I am one of the exceptions. My colleagues, direct reports, and leaders ARE my family. My husband and I will never have children, I have no blood relatives with whom I am close, and considering the amount effort I pour into my professional relationships, my company IS my family. It's not because I don't have a work life balance or that I don't respect the boundaries of my staff, but for me to expect them to become hospitality leaders, shouldn't I model that type of connection with them? It becomes frustrating to hear that many employers' use of the word 'family' is considered a red flag because if I didn't have my work family, I would have no one. My work family means the world to to me. If your company doesn't have that culture, then I'm not a fit unless I'm given the space to create that culture. Collegiality is important, investing in each other is crucial, and watching your career-brothers and sisters grow is how I measure my professional success. I will not stop calling Primo Investments my family. When you join my company, 'family' is not a red-flag, its a return on investment. I can't be the only one can I?

Have you ever heard someone use phrases like "Join our family" or "We're like a family here" to describe their workplace? I get the sentiment. But it's important to recognize that companies are not like families and shouldn't be. Here's why: 1️⃣ Family relationships are personal and often unconditional. Company relationships are professional, with clear boundaries and expectations. Families don't lay off their children. And kids don't move on to other families because they offer more excellent benefits. This distinction is vital for maintaining realistic expectations and a healthy work-life balance. 2️⃣ Families may overlook mistakes or shortcomings out of love or obligation. However, a company's accountability and performance are crucial for growth, development, and success. Companies exist to create revenue. Families exist for much more. 3️⃣ Similar values, backgrounds, and beliefs often bind families. In contrast, successful companies thrive on diversity of thought, experience, and perspective. Embracing this diversity is what drives innovation and progress. 4️⃣ Unlike family dynamics, where roles are more fixed, a company should be a place where you can grow, evolve, and pursue new opportunities. Your career path shouldn't be confined by the limitations that can exist within a family structure. So, next time you want to promote your company's culture, explain its focus on building a strong, inclusive, and supportive team where everyone can contribute, grow, and succeed. A company that respects and values its employees as professionals—while fostering a positive and collaborative culture—is far more compelling than any family metaphor could capture.

Embracing community and purpose at work... I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Jones FOUNDER BetterHappy, and his insights on the power of working in communities really resonated with me. Mike challenges the notion that work is a necessary evil, highlighting instead how our inherent desire to collaborate and achieve common goals has been integral to our evolution and success as a species. As Mike points out, our DNA and minds have evolved to reward us for teamwork, which is why we love being part of high-performing teams—whether in sports or the workplace. Historically, many found fulfillment and a sense of community through religion, but as societal dynamics shift, work has become a crucial arena for achieving that sense of purpose and connection. Mike suggests that even if we aren't consciously aware of it, many of us are filling a "spiritual void" through our work, seeking collaboration and community as we strive towards meaningful goals. Work is no longer just about tasks and paychecks; it's about being part of something bigger and moving together toward success. I loved chatting with Mike and his perspectives on creating happier workplaces. I'm excited to share this clip from our interview. Mike's full interview will be available in September. In it, he will explore how we can harness this innate drive to create better, happier workplaces. Enjoy - Jean ♻️ If you found this useful, please share it. Ps. If you want to know when Mike's full interview is available, join Emerge Insights👇🏼 https://lnkd.in/euazvk3M #Leadership #Community #Teamwork #Purpose #BetterHappy

I've had a challenging work experience that I feel compelled to share. It's important to shed light on the reality of workplace dynamics that can break your heart. Expectations can be high, but sometimes the reality is far from what we hope for. #WorkExperience #RealityCheck #OfficeDynamics In my recent job, I found myself thrown from the 10th floor of my expectations. Colleagues can be surprisingly rude and mean, solely based on superficial judgments like appearance. It's disheartening when these biases lead to a boycott, with misinformation and wrong briefs intentionally sent my way. #OfficeBias #ColleagueChallenges #ProfessionalReality Even more disheartening is the realization that managers are aware of these issues but act surprised when confronted. Excuses like "we are a family" don't justify tolerating unprofessional behavior. Patience shouldn't be a one-sided effort. #ManagementAwareness #WorkplaceEthics #ProfessionalIntegrity The result? Overworked and underpaid, I found myself feeling more miserable every day. It's essential for organizations to address these issues head-on and foster a genuinely inclusive and supportive work environment. #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing #CareerReality Let's continue the conversation on creating healthier workplace cultures, where everyone is valued for their contributions rather than superficial reasons. #WorkplaceCulture #ProfessionalGrowth #InclusionMatters

Our Own Corporate World transforming into emotionless Cutthroat nature We all live daily but do we really CHALLENGE or accept The corporate world is known for its cutthroat nature, with intense competition and high stakes. Here are some key aspects contributing to its demanding environment: - **Competition** is fierce as companies strive for market share, talent, and resources, leading to intense rivalries. Employees also compete for promotions, recognition, and rewards, creating a high-pressure atmosphere. - **Performance Expectations** demand high productivity, strict targets, and deadlines. The constant push for innovation and efficiency can result in stress and burnout. - **Work-Life Balance** can be challenging due to long hours, frequent travel, and the expectation of constant availability. Balancing personal life with professional demands remains a struggle for many. - **Office Politics** bring complexity and stress as individuals navigate interpersonal relationships and power dynamics. These dynamics can impact career progression and overall job satisfaction. - **Ethical Dilemmas** may arise as the pursuit of profit sometimes conflicts with ethical values, putting employees in difficult situations. Pressure to compromise on values or engage in questionable practices can be common. - **Job Security** faces uncertainties due to economic fluctuations, restructuring, and technology advancements, leading to job instability and layoffs. Continuous skill upgrades and adaptability are crucial for navigating this uncertainty. - **Mental Health** is a growing concern in the corporate world, with stress and pressure taking a toll on well-being. Companies are realizing the importance of mental health support and wellness programs.