A sense of community is vital _ we're all in this together

When times get tough or disaster strikes, people pull together to help each other get through. That attitude of teamwork, making things happen and getting things done is what will help companies during the recession.
That was the message Sam Knowles, chief executive of Kiwibank delivered to business leaders at a breakfast briefing in Wellington last month to mark the official launch of the JRA Best Workplaces Survey, in association with the New Zealand Herald.

"Today is very challenging with tightening of belts, cost cutting, job losses and morale impacts as a result of change. However people are always important," Knowles said.

"You need your people's help to get through these times _ to remain engaged and productive. The focus of engagement today is communication and the most important part is that you listen to what they think and understand what can be done to ensure they are positively engaged."

It's all to do with a sense of belonging said John Robertson, managing director of JRA. He said people in great workplaces often talked about being part of a 'family' where co-workers were supportive of each other and the goals of the company.

"Our research shows that employees who feel a strong sense of belonging are almost twice as engaged with their work than those that are more alienated," he said. "And the impact of belonging on business performance cannot be underestimated, as companies whose employees feel a strong sense of belonging enjoy profit levels almost twice that of other organisations."

JRA's survey findings confirm communication is vital. A sense of belonging is most affected by open and honest communication, a feeling of being informed about the organisation and its activities and knowledge sharing.

"One of the keys to bringing people together in any company, particularly in the current circumstances, is to remove silos," said Robertson.
"Managers need to pull down the walls and communicate well with everyone.

"It's a leadership thing more than ever _ the `family' needs trust and confidence in its leadership and company leaders must set the example when it comes to working together."

The JRA Best Workplaces Survey in association with the Herald, and sponsored by HainesAttract and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, runs until August 31.

Already more than 110 organisation are taking part.