Posts

Activity Based Working - does it help?

-
Image
Activity-based working (ABW) can offer significant psychological benefits by providing employees with greater flexibility, choice, and control over their work environment. This can lead to improved mental well-being, reduced stress, and increased job satisfaction. ABW can also foster creativity, enhance concentration, and boost employee morale .  ABW is not 'hot desking' which removes control and the ability to self select appropriate working environments for the task at hand. Here's a more detailed look at the psychological benefits: 1. Increased Agency and Control : ABW allows employees to choose the workspace that best suits their needs and tasks, giving them a sense of control over their work environment. This feeling of agency can be particularly important in high-stress workplaces, as it can help employees feel more empowered and in charge of their work .  2. Improved Mood and Reduced Stress : The freedom to choose a workspace that promotes focus and well-being can h...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Perils of Assuming Understanding: A Communication Breakdown

-
Image
  The other day, I was having a conversation at home. I thought I'd been pretty clear in what I was describing (the timing and locations for picking up my son after school camp). It turns out, I hadn't been clear at all and my wife was utterly confused. We've all been there: we've explained something, confident that our message was clear. Only to later realise that the listener had a completely different interpretation. This common communication breakdown often stems from a fundamental assumption: that our words are inherently clear and that our intentions are transparent. The Illusion of Clarity It's easy to fall into the trap of assuming that our communication is effective. We may use clear language, provide detailed explanations, and believe we've conveyed our message with precision. However, our listeners may interpret our words differently based on their own experiences, biases, and knowledge. Factors that Can Hinder Understanding Several factors can contri...
Post a Comment
Read more

Beyond Common Sense: Unveiling the Pitfalls of a Flawed Narrative

-
Image
  All too often, I come across family online claiming something is "Common Sense". In my last job, one of the managers routinely claimed the expectations they had of other staff were "Common Sense". These scenarios always make me uneasy. "Common sense" is a phrase so ingrained in our vocabulary, it feels almost instinctive. We rely on it for everyday decisions, for navigating social situations, and even for forming opinions on complex issues. But is "common sense" truly all it's cracked up to be? In a world increasingly driven by scientific advancements and intricate challenges, is it enough to simply rely on what feels intuitive? The Myth of Universality: Common Sense as a Disguise for Ignorance The term "common sense" implies a universally held understanding, a baseline of knowledge that everyone possesses. However, this very assumption reveals the first flaw in this narrative. Common sense is far from universal. It's shaped ...
Post a Comment
Read more