Lessons from working in a new country

I have now had the honour of living in Canada for just over 20 months. In a nod to this fine country having about 20 percent of the world's total freshwater resources, let’s call it my H2O anniversary. It’s not quite a diamond or emerald anniversary but lets focus on quality over quantity.

Here are 5 key *observations I have made from working with individuals and organisations in a new country, sprinkled with a few learnings from moving continents.

*caveat. This is very much a poll of one, so my views may not match those of others.

Relationships drive performance

In Canada there is a real sincere focus and care on cultivating an environment where relationships can flourish at work. This all starts with people feeling psychologically safe to share how they feel. Strong leadership role models this and acknowledge it’s key to a healthy culture and therefore successful business.

Moving across the pond, away from familiarity, but also toward some similarity, has been a powerful reminder of how important energetic connections with fellow humans are to me. As with a work out, the benefits of a positive face to face interaction stay with you long after the goodbye.

Diversity feeds innovation

The vast majority of people I have met appreciate that having different views on things, whether that be a result of gender, neurodiversity, ethnicity, to name a few, all contribute towards greater cognitive power. Multiple perspectives get you closer to overcoming challenges and creating game changing ideas.??

Like London, Toronto is incredibly diverse in every way imaginable. It’s a real strength and a pleasant home from home in that regard.??

Wellbeing is the foundation

The organisations I have conversed with are committed to making sure what they do drives their business forward. But this is not to the detriment of individual health. There is an understanding that in order to thrive, you need energy to surge to your potential, and rest, which means something different to everyone, is a big part of this.

Although annual leave is strikingly less in Canada (it can vary for multiple reasons) and their southern neighbour, compared to the UK, their empathetic focus on employee wellbeing is a stand out trait.

If I could change anything about Canada it would be to increase the standard holiday allowance. Work without holiday at some point results in a diminishing return for both the employer and the employee.

Personal and professional values alignment

More and more the values of an organisation are becoming increasingly important to employees. If they don’t mirror those of the individual then inevitably, it will impact their experience and even whether they decide to join a particular business. From my conversations so far, this is a clear USP and reason behind low talent churn.

The Happiness Index is big on this too as it allows people to be themselves. Authenticity is a key value here and it resonates with all quokkas as it speaks to the heart. Our co founders are fully behind creating an environment that allows you to be you at work.?

Choice impacts trust

This is more a global point but choice has always been important to people and the pandemic further highlighted how appreciated this was to employees. Some people prefer to work in an office, others from home. But everyone wants flexibility. Having a flexible and empowering approach to choosing where you work makes you feel more trusted and closer to leadership.?

I am fortunate that I work for an organisation that focuses on what you do, rather than where you do it from. To paraphrase a comment I heard recently, ‘work is what you do, not where you go’.

Conclusion

All of these reasons above are why I have started a monthly HR Happiness Brunch in Toronto, which began last month. By bringing people together we all learn and feel more connected.?

If you would like to come to the next one on the 29th May or any in the future just drop me a line.

Thanks,

Pat

PS

I appreciate this is all very favourable but I can only say what I see. This might also be my endorphins still talking as I continue to bask in the glow of taking part in a 10k run as part of the Toronto Marathon recently. A shout out to all the participants and volunteers who were truly inspirational.?

Finally, I appreciate the photo of our dog Goose doesn’t really have any relation to what I have shared. However, according to various studies looking at pictures of dogs can improve your happiness ??.