We are more alike than we think - Build the desired culture in your workplace
- Jan Eric Wetteland
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Isn't it fascinating how we often float through life, surrounded by people, yet feel alone? We navigate our daily routines, protecting our own little worlds, and often forget that beneath the surface we share so much more with others than we realize. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our individual lives, especially in a work environment where we may interact with colleagues but rarely go deeper.
Imagine this: you cross paths with a stranger at work, perhaps someone you’ve seen in passing but never really talked to. You just nod at each other, unaware that they might be experiencing the same challenges or joys as you. What if that stranger is struggling with deadlines, balancing family responsibilities, or even pursuing a passion project after work? Approaching them with an open heart and mind can reveal your shared struggles, and remind you that you’re not alone on your journey.
At work, we often stick to our roles, busy with our own business. While this is necessary to maintain productivity, it can also create distance. It takes a little more effort to connect – to ask how someone’s day is going, to share a laugh over lunch, or to collaborate on a project. Yet when we do this, the workplace transforms and we can start talking about the culture we want. We begin to see the threads that bind us together.
Embracing this idea of community and the desired culture in the workplace is not only beneficial for individual morale; it is essential for collective success. But, this is not the responsibility of management, it is yours, mine, and everyone who walks the halls at work. When we realize that we share the same destiny, whether it is the stress of a demanding project or the excitement of a new opportunity, we create a culture where everyone feels valued and understood. This connection can foster collaboration, ignite creativity, and lead to unexpected friendships.
So, the next time you find yourself isolated in your workspace, remember that you’re not just part of a company; you’re part of a community and a culture. Take the extra step to engage with others. Celebrate your similarities, share your stories, and you may find that the boundaries between colleagues blur, leading to a supportive and vibrant work culture. After all, we’re actually more alike than we think.
Watch video: https://youtu.be/UQ15cqP-K80?si=BHLxUvU4gC3yXfJE
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