UC Berkeley Executive Education’s Post

With tomorrow being the 4th, it's an apt time to look at the freedoms we strive for in the workplace - an interesting way to look at the ways we work and collaborate - those being the freedom to be, become, fade, and fail. Read more, below!

Based on this author's decades of research in organizational psychology, addressing workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while supporting employee well-being requires focusing on four essential freedoms: (1) The Freedom to Be: This involves bringing our authentic selves to work. However, authenticity isn’t always straightforward; it requires calibrated expressions, strategic disclosures, and sometimes even facades. Many people mask parts of themselves that they believe aren’t valued in their work environment. (2) The Freedom to Become: This freedom allows us to improve ourselves and our situations. It’s about continuous growth, learning, and development. When present, it benefits alignment with work tasks, commitment, mental and physical health, and coworker relationships. (3) The Freedom to Fade: Stepping back from the spotlight and performance pressure periodically is essential. It allows for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. Leaders should recognize and support this need. (4) The Freedom to Fail: Encouraging risk-taking, experimentation, and learning from failures is crucial. When employees feel safe to take risks, they become more agile and resilient. Cultivating these freedoms benefits everyone, but it’s essential to address inequities in their distribution across employees based on gender, race, sexuality, and other dimensions. Let’s work toward workplaces where all employees thrive.

"Beyond Retaliation: A Call for Integrity and Unity in the Workplace". Good morning! Today, I wanted to embark on a not so popular conversation that speaks not just about the challenges we face in the workplace, but about reimagining the very fabric of our workplace cultures. We stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, advocating for a future where integrity is our compass, and unity our strength...the moment when standing up for what's right invites not accolades, but retaliation. In every corner of our world, the workplace stands as a testament to not just our collective endeavors but also to the values we cherish and the respect we owe each other. It's a space where ambition meets opportunity, where dreams are nurtured, and achievements celebrated. Yet, it's also a place where the integrity of our interactions is tested, most notably when faced with the shadow of workplace retaliation. Retaliation, in any form, is not just an attack on an individual; it's a blemish on our collective ethos, a denial of the basic principles of fairness and respect that should underpin every action within our professional environments. It undermines trust, extinguishes the spirit of teamwork, and corrodes the very foundation upon which our professional aspirations stand. To those who have faced, are facing, or fear facing retaliation for standing up for what is right, know this: your courage is the beacon that guides us toward a better tomorrow. Your resilience is the testament to the strength of the human spirit. You are not alone, for your fight is the fight for the soul of our workplaces, a call to action for everyone who believes in justice, integrity, and the unassailable value of each individual. Let us stand united against workplace retaliation, not with mere words, but with decisive actions that protect, support, and vindicate. Let us build environments where everyone is free to voice their truths without fear, where respect is the currency of our interactions, and where justice is not just an ideal, but a reality we live every day. In doing so, we honor not just the best in each of us, but the best of what we can achieve together. This is just my manifesto for change in the realms we inhabit, the values we uphold, and the legacies we aspire to leave behind. 💕 ☮ 🕊

We hear presenteeism talked about a lot 🤒 but did you know there are actually three types of working whilst unwell - and only one type has a negative impact? Robertson Cooper's latest research challenges the wider understanding of presenteeism, shining a new light on what it is and how organisations can both measure and manage it effectively 💡 A must-read for anybody involved in the reporting and management of presenteeism, sickness absence and employee wellbeing!

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the Karma Theory has gained significant relevance, not just in our personal lives, but also in the workplace. At its core, the Karma Theory suggests that our actions have consequences, and what we put out into the world eventually comes back to us. In the context of the workplace, the Karma Theory highlights the importance of fostering a positive and supportive environment where actions and intentions matter. Here's how the Karma Theory relates to the workplace: 1.Cultivating Positive Relationships: Building respectful and supportive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders can enhance collaboration and create a harmonious work environment. By treating others with empathy, kindness, and fairness, we can foster goodwill and positive energy within the workplace. 2.Promoting Ethical Practices: Upholding ethical standards is crucial for maintaining trust and integrity within an organization. Acting ethically and with integrity not only benefits the individual but also contributes to a healthy work culture that fosters long-term success. 3.Embracing Accountability: Taking responsibility for our actions and being accountable for our commitments is essential for professional growth and for building trust with colleagues. Demonstrating accountability leads to enhanced productivity, stronger work relationships, and increased credibility. 4.Embracing Positivity: The energy we bring into the workplace can significantly impact our own experiences and those of our colleagues. By maintaining a positive attitude, showing gratitude, and recognizing the efforts of others, we can create an uplifting atmosphere that encourages collaboration and innovation. It is important to understand that practicing the Karma Theory in the workplace goes beyond personal gain. It is about cultivating an environment where everyone can thrive, bringing their best selves to the table and collectively contributing to the success of the organization. Let's embrace the Karma Theory in our workplaces and create a positive ripple effect that not only enhances our individual experiences but also breeds success, collaboration, and fulfillment for all. #KarmaTheory #WorkplaceCulture #PositiveEnergy #Collaboration

🌟 Food for Thought 🌟 In my line of work, many of my clients are looking to improve employee engagement and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). So when I came across this article from the Greater Good Science Centre that explores "The Four Freedoms We Want at Work" - as a means to improve engagement and DEI - I was intrigued. What do these freedoms entail? 1. The freedom to be: to bring our authentic selves to the workplace. 2. The freedom to become: to enhance ourselves and our circumstances. 3. The freedom to fade: to occasionally step back from the spotlight and performance pressures. 4. The freedom to fail: to take risks, conduct experiments, learn from them, and receive coaching for future opportunities. 👉 Read the full article in the link below. Julia Kerr Henkel https://lnkd.in/d-nDfeMs

Insightful perspective on freedoms people need at work to thrive: freedom to be, freedom to become, freedom to fade (my favorite freedom to exercise when I’m burned out), and freedom to fail. These freedoms are not equally accessible to all. Marginalized and vulnerable workers often can’t afford to exercise these freedoms. Excellent article to ponder on.

Committing to reviewing your workplace assumptions is an essential practice for personal and professional growth. In the workplace, we often make assumptions about our colleagues, superiors, and even ourselves. These assumptions can shape our behavior, decisions, and interactions. However, assumptions are not always accurate or fair. They can be based on limited information, biases, or stereotypes. By committing to reviewing our workplace assumptions, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and possibilities. We challenge our preconceived notions and strive for a more inclusive and understanding work environment. Reviewing our workplace assumptions involves being open-minded, seeking feedback, and actively questioning our own beliefs. It requires us to listen to others, consider different viewpoints, and be willing to change our mindset when necessary. By committing to this practice, we create a culture of learning and growth. We foster better communication, collaboration, and empathy in the workplace. We become more aware of our biases and strive to treat everyone with fairness and respect. So, let us make a conscious effort to commit to reviewing our workplace assumptions. Let us challenge ourselves to see beyond our initial judgments and embrace diversity of thought. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable work environment for everyone. #Assumptions #WorkplaceCulture #ProfessionalGrowth #OpenMind #Diversity #Inclusion #Equity

Gideon Kunda’s ethnographic studies on corporate culture reveal the performative aspects of organizational life, where employees often feel pressured to conform to corporate narratives (Kunda, 2006). To move beyond this performative culture, organizations must create spaces for authentic expression and participation, where employees can genuinely influence their work environment without being coerced into alignment with corporate values. https://lnkd.in/gWRfgJJ8

The last straw was when you witnessed a talented colleague leave due to a toxic culture with questionable, tolerated behaviors at work. You at a loss on what to do. You attend the conventional forums, the sporadic internal workshop and follow the generalized advice. But the depth of workplace challenges is missing for you. The nuance of these situations is missing too. There are systemic barriers entrenched in our workplaces today. How do you bridge the gap from inspiration and action? How do you move from theory to practice? It takes many voices to make an organizational shift. It takes many more voices and bold action to make a societal shift. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐔𝐩 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬. 𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬:// 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐩𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭.𝐜𝐨𝐦