The Power of Prioritising People and Relationships in Every Work Environment

In a world driven by technology, efficiency, and bottom-line results, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters in the workplace - people and relationships. The principle People and Relationships over Processes and Policies (from The Workplace Manifesto) is a cornerstone of a modern workplace manifesto, and its significance extends across a broad spectrum of work environments, including agencies, startups, large corporations, government and public bodies, and charities and trusts. Let's explore why this principle is paramount, backed by research evidence.

Agencies

Research has consistently shown that the success of agencies is closely tied to the quality of client-agency relationships. A study published in the Journal of Advertising Research found that strong client-agency relationships positively impact creativity, client satisfaction, and ultimately, business performance (Smith, 2021). Additionally, a meta-analysis by Palmatier et al. (2007) determined that relationship quality accounts for over 25% of an agency's financial performance. By prioritising people and relationships over strict processes and policies, agencies can foster the trust and collaboration essential for delivering exceptional results to their clients.

Startups & Innovation Hubs

Startups and Innovation Hubs are often characterised by their dynamic and fast-paced environments. A study by Deloitte found that startups and innovation hubs with strong workplace cultures built on people, trust and meaningful relationships are more likely to attract and retain top talent (Deloitte, 2019). This aligns with research by Goffee & Jones (2013) showing that a sense of community and belonging increases employee motivation and retention in startups, and in turn natural growth and success occurs. In a competitive landscape, the ability to cultivate a supportive and collaborative culture can make or break a startup's success - or in fact innovation in its entirety. Prioritising people and relationships not only drives innovation but also fuels employee engagement, loyalty and sustainable growth.

Corporations & Enterprises

Even in large corporations and enterprises , where established processes and policies can dominate and often constrain, research reveals the value of prioritising people and relationships. A Harvard Business Review study demonstrated that organisations with a strong emphasis on employee engagement and relationships outperform their peers in efficiency, productivity and profitability by over 200% (HBR, 2017). Furthermore, a Gallup study found that teams with strong relationships are 20% more productive and experience 21% greater profitability (Gallup, 2015). Employees who feel valued and connected are more motivated and better equipped to contribute to the company's success and sustainability.

Government and Public Bodies

In government and public sector organisations, building trust with citizens is essential. A study by the OECD found that positive relationships between governments and citizens lead to greater civic participation, satisfaction with public services, and increased tax compliance (OECD, 2020). Moreover, research shows that transparency from public officials promotes civic trust and engagement (Grimmelikhuijsen et al., 2013). By prioritising open communication and transparency, public sector bodies can strengthen engagement and collaboration with the communities they serve.

Charities and Trusts

For charities and non-profit organisations, stakeholder relationships are vital. Research by the National Council for Voluntary Organizations (NCVO) found that strong stakeholder relationships are critical for achieving social impact goals (NCVO, 2022). Additionally, a study of over 200 non-profits demonstrated that organisation-public relationships directly influenced perceived trustworthiness and donations (Waters, 2009). Whether it's building trust with beneficiaries, collaborating with partners, or fostering donor relationships, the importance of people and connections cannot be overstated in the non-profit sector.

The Human Factor in Every Environment

Research conducted by Gallup consistently underscores the power of relationships at work. Gallup's State of the Global Workplace report highlights that employees who have a best friend at work are more engaged and productive (Gallup, 2021). Moreover, positive relationships at work are linked to lower stress and anxiety levels and better overall well-being (Dutton, 2003) - all leading to increased happiness for people and increased organisational success.

In conclusion, the principle People and Relationships over Processes and Policies transcends industry boundaries because it taps into a fundamental truth: success in any work environment is deeply intertwined with the quality of human connections. Extensive research from various sectors confirms that prioritising people and relationships leads to increased creativity, client satisfaction, talent retention, productivity, social impact, and trust.

As we navigate the complexities of modern work, let's remember that the heart of any organisation is its people. When we prioritise relationships, we not only enhance the workplace but also create a more fulfilling, productive, and impactful work environment for everyone involved. This principle isn't just a lofty ideal; it's a strategic imperative backed by empirical evidence.

In MY next article we will explore The Workplace Manifesto principle 2. Value Creation over Time Consumption.

Have a great day and build relationships

Ben