Occupational Intimacy on the Rise

Years ago, I heard the phrase 'Organizational Intimacy' from a colleague, Michael Kroth.  I did a double-take; perhaps you did too.

Long story short, researchers and writers (from William Bridges and Steve Buchholz and Richard Leider to many others) have long-written about the importance of 'fulfillment' and 'meaningfulness' at work; the importance of purpose, and so on.

"Finding one's music," as Buchholz describes it.

I love that.

Finding my music...

Anyway, I've noticed an interesting trend these last few months.  Many employees who used to groan about their employer are now moaning their praises.  Occupational Intimacy indeed. 

In preparation for several upcoming presentations, our team has conducted a number of phone interviews in recent weeks, and the pattern is undeniable.  Here are some common quotes:

"I used to HATE it around here.  Now, I'm THRILLED to be employed."

"Sure, we could improve, but heck -- I'm just happy to have a job!"

"Oh, the grass used to be greener on the other side, but I'm delighted to be where I am.  THIS SIDE pays the bills, the checks don't bounce, and I sleep well at night knowing my industry is practically recession-proof."

"I've received more thank you letters in the last month than I have my entire career.  People are singing our praises and saying, 'Thank you for this place.'  They're simply joyous to be gainfully employed right now."

Yes they are.

From government to healthcare employees, many individuals are indeed THRILLED to be employed these days.

And oh, what a change this is.  Several years ago -- at the peak of our Economically Caligulan Era (or, the ECE... the 'easy' era one might say) -- when unemployment hovered around 4.6%, anyone who wanted a job could have his/her pick of the litter, executive salaries were obscenely high, materialism reigned, and 30-somethings were surfing the dot-com bubble and everyone presumed he would be driving a Lamborghini by 35 -- no employer could 'do right enough' and many bosses were written off as dullards.  Now, most bosses are luminaries.  After all, their organization remains, they are the boss, and employees still exist... so someone must be doing something right!

Last night I attended a presentation and the speaker described his hand-me-down grandfather's desk.  "I love that desk.  I've been around it my whole life, from the early visits to my grandfather's home to today, where it sits in my office.  As a boy, I'd crawl all over it and under it.  I remember pretending to do important things behind it, pretending to write checks and sign important documents.  But most people, when they walk into my office and see that desk now, they just see all that's wrong with it.  The wood's cracking and peeling, there are cigarette burns here and there, one of the legs wobbles.  'That's pitiful,' they'll observe.  'You need to get a new desk, man!'  But I never notice these things, because to me -- that desk is INVALUABLE; it represents my history, my childhood, my youth, my grandfather, and all the things I loved about him.  I'll never get rid of that desk, and hopefully my boys won't either."

For many, this desk is representative of their employer.  For too long, they only saw what was wrong.  Broken.  Peeling.  From the rattly fax machine stand or squeaky chair to the curling carpet by the water fountain.

But perhaps these days, we're starting to think of our employer like Grandpa's Desk.  Sure, it could use some restoring.  But I value it, love it as it is, and frankly, consider myself privileged to sit behind it and do important things.

Today, I encourage you to send that email.  Deliver that handwritten note.  Or personally look your employer in the eyes and say, "Thank you.  It's my honor to be here; what more can I do to support this organization?"

Cuz cigarette burns or not, all good desks need caretakers, and you might just be surprised how much fulfillment and meaning will result from your appreciation and engagement.