Chapter 10 What defines an employment experience for Timsy?

Timsy as you know is a modern day woman – a juggler of various facets of life. In this sense, she’s looking for an efficient, flexible, goal oriented working environment, that can fuel her ambition and boost her self confidence, reward her with the remuneration she needs, and enable her to carry out her other daily tasks outside of the workplace. In Timsys mind, the new office isn’t pink. Its neither black and conventional. It’s an arrangement of whatever works, in order to get the job done in the most efficient and effective way possible. It’s a pragmatic approach to two parties acknowledging eachother’s needs and demands in a highly competitive environment. The employers needs speed, creativity, consistent performance and behaviour. The employee needs good tools, efficient IT, a comfortable workspace, a flexible approach, an understanding boss and a platform for mutual communication and success. This is reality, is what defines an employment experience for Timsy. Whatever works, is the best solution.

This pragmatic approach goes beyond flexible hours and teleworking, which ofcourse are high up on Timsy’s priority list especially if is also handling a family and small children in tow. We must also consider the type of environment within the workplace or the pre set patterns of communication and daily habits between the employer and the employee. A far cry from the patronizing days of the 80s, or the sexist comments and behaviour, today we thrive on a mutually respectable equal playing field, of men and women, working to achieve both corporate as well as personal goals. We thrive in an environment of respect. Respect that is two way – appreciation for hard work, extra effort and going the extra mile, should not be taken for granted. As peoples energy dwindles throughout the day, and Timsy, will be the first to tell you that not all weeks are the same hormonally speaking, we must enforce a culture of praise amongst within the team. Afterall, employees are first, customers are second. If the organisation cannot sustain the right climate for employees, their sustainability for clients will also be short lived.

Together with respect and appreciation, comes grounds for clear and open communication. No one should feel uncomfortable about speaking up, about having a private chat to the employer about issues that are on their mind. This is a flat non hierarchical organisation that encourages everyone to speak. Anyone can have a good idea, and everyone should be listened to. Even large organisations with multi departments and units can have a communication platform to enable such flow of ideas. Yes we all want the freshly brewed morning coffee, the organic fruit bowl at reception encouraging clean eating all day, the chill out area where one can have a 5 min downtime if required or the additional perks that large organisations tend to give, such as gym memberships and other – but ultimately even if working with a team of under five, Timsy, the avatar for modern day women, is looking for more than meets the eye. A genuine engagement with an honest arrangement that makes her feel empowered and accepted, and most of all brings out the best in her.