Penny Power ponders that some people challenge the belief that we should experience love at work

My pondering this week might impact you in different ways, it might make you think that what I stand for is a brave commitment, as they say ‘standing for something, stops you falling for everything’. I have had to defend my beliefs about love in the workplace many times. Or, even better, it might make you feel comfortable using your love energy more. We all have it, but many of us fear using it in work.

I am sure you are aware by now that I believe deeply in the energy of love. It is the opposite of fear, it calms us, it increases our bonds with others and it provides the important brain chemical ‘oxytocin’ with a beautiful boost. The dictionary term for love is 'a deep affection for someone'. Surely that is not so hard, is it?

When you have high oxytocin, you are more confident, have higher self-esteem and it is very important for stress reduction, social bonding, enhancing trust, and for creating empathy. It is the very reason I decided to remain in the business world, as I could see the need for it and decided that would be my purpose, I guess some would call it my legacy. If my ponderings this week, (or you might say ramblings), encourage just a few more people to release their ability to love another person within the working world, then I will die happy.

I also understand that, in the workplace, most people want to know the ROI for adopting anything new so, here goes, 5 financial reasons that love in business provides a financial ROI:

1. Customer Loyalty: In an automated world, with increasing AI and bots, we have reduced the emotional connection that makes customers feel significant. Through significance, we build loyalty. Building strong connections with customers based on trust, empathy, and understanding can lead to repeat business and customer loyalty. Customers are more likely to return to a company that they feel appreciates them.
2. Innovation and Collaboration: As Leaders we all want new ideas, cross-selling, referrals, shared purpose. Love can create a more inclusive and collaborative work environment, where diverse perspectives are encouraged and embraced because people care and trust one another. Problem solving and creativity is a key component of growth.
3. Employee and Customer Engagement: In a hybrid world, where the relationship with technology is becoming deeper than the relationship with one another, we are now seeing Quiet Quitting, Job Hopping, and a lack of loyalty to suppliers. Providing a culture of love, and deep affection can make up for many of the challenges that people face every day in their work.
4. Higher productivity. When people feel valued, supported, and connected to their colleagues and superiors, they are more engaged and motivated. This can lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction.
5. Resilience: An emotional strength we all need, change is a constant and adapting to change is a muscle that can grow when we feel supported and connected to others.

So, this week, perhaps consider the energy of love in your working life and ask yourself, how do the people that are important in my business circle feel the love from me?

Next week, I am going to share a few of the ways you can show love at work.

If you would like more of this dropped into your inbox weekly please join our mailing list - https://bit.ly/3QOFNyk