Watching the events of the last week unfold on my television has truly prompted me to take a moment and reflect back on my recent life changes. The stark contrast between the anger and violence exhibited by rioters and the compassion and dedication of community members striving to present their cities in a positive light has provided a powerful lens through which to reassess what I wanted from life. When I think back to my time living in Waltham Forest, I’m filled with pride seeing the thousands of locals who turned out to counter-protest against the far right. Now, in my new home of Bedford, there was the threat of unrest, but thankfully, nothing materialised. Witnessing these extremes in human behaviour has reminded me why I sought a career change in the first place. Why transition from HR to Coaching? The HR field, or ‘People’ as it’s more commonly known now, has evolved dramatically over the last decade, to the point where it’s nearly unrecognisable. My current role, helping individuals achieve success in various aspects of their lives, aligns much more closely with my values and the quality of life I desire. Many of you know that I have a rescue dog, which brings its own unique joys. I’m now working from home, following my own timeline, and selecting the clients I want to work with. It feels like I’ve finally achieved something I didn’t even know I wanted for a few years ago.
The impact of the last week’s events illustrates how profoundly others’ behaviours can influence our perspectives and decisions, including in the workplace. Whether it’s witnessing acts of kindness or aggression, our environment and the actions of those around us play a significant role in shaping our mindset, job satisfaction, and overall career trajectory.
A study conducted by the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) in 2022 highlighted that the behaviour of colleagues and management is one of the most critical factors influencing employee well-being. According to the report, positive interpersonal relationships at work contribute to higher levels of job satisfaction, reduced stress, and improved mental health. Conversely, a toxic work environment, characterised by bullying, harassment, or simply a lack of support, can lead to significant mental and emotional strain, ultimately pushing employees to reconsider their career paths. This underscores the importance of cultivating a supportive and empathetic workplace culture, where every individual feels valued and heard.
In my previous career in HR, I often saw firsthand how negative behaviours in the workplace could drive talented individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere. It was common to witness employees who were once passionate and driven become disengaged and disillusioned due to a lack of recognition or support. On the other hand, those who worked in environments where kindness, respect, and collaboration were prioritised thrived, often surpassing expectations and achieving remarkable success.
A report by the Mental Health Foundation in 2023 further reinforces this idea, noting that kindness in the workplace is not only beneficial for individual well-being but also for the organisation’s success as a whole. The report found that companies that actively promoted kindness and empathy saw increased productivity, lower turnover rates, and higher levels of employee engagement. These findings align with my own experiences as an HR Consultant and a Coach, where I’ve seen the transformative power of creating a positive and supportive work environment.
The role of leadership in fostering such an environment cannot be overstated. Leaders set the tone for the entire organisation, and their actions often dictate the behaviour of their teams. The UK-based Leadership Institute published a study in 2022 which showed that leaders who model compassionate and inclusive behaviours are more likely to cultivate teams that are collaborative, innovative, and resilient. This is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing work environment, where adaptability and teamwork are essential for success.
Reflecting on my career transition from HR to Coaching, it’s clear that this shift was driven by a desire to be part of the solution. By working directly with individuals, I’m able to help them navigate their own career paths, often helping them overcome the very challenges I witnessed during my time in HR. Whether it’s addressing career changes, workplace conflict, managing stress, or building confidence, my goal is to empower my clients to take control of their own narratives and achieve the success they deserve.
Moreover, working from home and having the flexibility to choose my clients has allowed me to maintain a better work-life balance, which is something I value deeply. I’ve learned that it’s not just about helping others find success in their careers; it’s also about ensuring that I’m living a life that aligns with my own values and priorities. This balance has brought a new level of fulfilment to my life, one that I didn’t fully appreciate was possible before making this change.
As I continue on this journey, I’m reminded that the behaviours and attitudes we encounter in our professional lives have a profound impact on our personal well-being and career satisfaction. It’s important to surround ourselves with positive influences and to seek out environments where we feel supported and valued. Whether you’re considering a career change or simply looking to improve your current work situation, remember that you have the power to shape your own experience. By focusing on what truly matters to you and taking steps towards creating a more fulfilling life, you can achieve the success and happiness you deserve.
#CareerWellbeing #PositiveWorkplace #LeadershipMatters #WorkLifeBalance #CareerCoaching #MentalHealthAtWork #PauseAndEmpower
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