Ruth Bourne November 28 2022
Featured

So what can you expect from a truly connected workforce?

t-three Client Director, Ruth Bourne, highlights why and how we need to actively co-create a truly connected workplace community...

We have heard much over the last few years about the challenges of connection in the workplace exacerbated by hybrid/remote working. Today I would like to share my personal experience of a truly connected community in the hope that it will shine a light on how, and why,  we, as leaders (and followers) need to actively co-create a truly connected workplace community.

For the last seven months, I have been volunteering as a Samaritan. I experience our branch in Aberystwyth as a truly connected community.

How? Every single person is there because they want to be and we are actively connected to the Samaritan purpose –  fewer people dying by suicide and, equally, through active listening to enable individuals to find their own solutions and take their own decisions.  At the initial engagement and ‘selection’ stage we are frequently asked if we can commit to this purpose and this commitment and its consequences are explored in depth so that when we do sign up, we can engage with hearts and minds. We are trained as a team and even though this was remotely delivered,  the volunteer coaches create a safe environment for us to learn, make mistakes, be afraid, be delighted and be unsure. This environment is mirrored in the way we work on shift: with a leader who checks in before and after each shift for us to share our experiences and to check in on how we are emotional. We look after each other on shift, regularly checking in on how our partners are doing and listening to support.

These connecting factors of Purpose, absolute respect for those who use our services, an emphasis on safety, clear expectations, mutual support, and compassion are critical to binding this diverse and disparate group into a truly connected ‘workforce’

And the benefits?

For the people who call? Someone at the end of the line who delivers non-judgemental support and who is well trained, committed, present, and emotionally resilient because they too are supported There are 22,000 Samaritans Volunteers and each of us is well trained, well-resourced, and well-looked after, responding to calls every 10 seconds across each and every day of the year.

For the organisation? Samaritans couldn’t have exited for its 65 years without the dedication and skills of its volunteer community. Even in our little branch, our team is active in informing policy and the service and challenging the things that could work better. We are encouraged to ask questions, safe in the knowledge that our comments are respected and heard. We cover for each other and we haven’t had a lost shift due to resourcing in well over 18 months. We are active ambassadors and fundraisers for the service and we care about those who call and our organisation. Service levels are high and ‘performance’ is sustainably good.

For me? Being part of this connected community makes my heart swell. It’s not always easy to listen – in fact, it’s often very difficult, but every call is important. I feel I’m using my skills and building on them so it’s having a positive knock-on effect on my ‘day job’. I’m connecting with a diverse community of volunteers and people who call and this is widening my perspective and my compassion. And I feel valued.

For those of you who are reading this, if you ever feel you need support, please call us on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org and do consider us when you are making choices about charitable giving https://www.samaritans.org/donate-now/

New call-to-action

 

Subscribe to insights from our blog here:

Would you like to know more?

How would you like to start a conversation?