Soul Path Insights

It’s the day after the 4th of July holiday, and this year, the 4th landed on a Thursday, which made things a bit awkward with a workday squeezed between the holiday and the weekend. Most of my coworkers had the brilliant idea to take Friday off, giving them a long weekend starting Wednesday afternoon. As a result, the office is a ghost town this Friday morning. It’s just my boss, another female colleague, and me on our floor. You might think we’re the dedicated ones, but honestly, we all have our personal reasons for showing up. I can only speak for myself—I don’t want to be nosy about why my colleagues chose to work today instead of taking the day off like the rest of the office, including our director.

At my office, if you have leave days available, you can take off whenever you want. No one will tell you no. It’s your right, and you’ve earned it. Unless we have audits or inspections, we can take a vacation, a mental health day, or whatever we need for a good quality of life. I’ve been quite fortunate that both my past and present bosses have been very accommodating, granting my vacation requests without any hassle. This flexibility significantly contributes to the quality of life I enjoy, thanks to such great leaders who genuinely care about their team’s welfare.

Great leaders set the tone for the entire organization. They don’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk. They are willing to get their hands dirty and lead by example. This kind of leadership fosters respect and dedication within the team. When leaders listen to their employees’ concerns and make efforts to change things, it shows they value their team’s input. This is what progress looks like.

We create the environment we are in. When employees are happy, they are more productive. My colleagues work hard, often staying late to finish a job. However, because of organizational policies, we can’t just claim overtime whenever we want. We have to request it and provide a strong justification for the extra hours.

As for my reason for not taking the bridge day like the rest of the staff? I’m saving my vacation days for a trip to Europe. So here I am, working in a nearly empty office. But it’s these little choices and the supportive environment we have that make all the difference in our professional and personal lives.

Soul Insights

1. The Importance of Flexibility: I’ve learned that having a flexible work environment is crucial. In my office, you can take leave whenever you need it, no questions asked. This flexibility really contributes to my overall well-being and job satisfaction. It’s a privilege to work somewhere that understands the need for balance.

2. Leadership by Example:
Great leaders don’t just give orders—they lead by example. My bosses have always been willing to get their hands dirty and work alongside us. This kind of leadership builds respect and dedication within the team. When I see my boss pitching in, it motivates me to do my best too.

3. Creating a Positive Environment:
We truly create the environment we live in. When employees are happy, they are so much more productive. A positive, supportive atmosphere makes all the difference, encouraging everyone to give their best.

4. Listening and Making Changes:
Good leaders listen to their employees’ concerns and make efforts to improve things. In my experience, when leaders are open to feedback and willing to make changes, it shows they value their team’s input. This kind of progress helps everyone feel more engaged and appreciated.

5. Balancing Work and Personal Life:
Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is crucial. Many of my coworkers took Friday off to extend their 4th of July weekend. It’s so important to take breaks and time off when needed. This helps us stay healthy and motivated in the long run. Knowing I can rely on my understanding leaders to support this balance is incredibly reassuring.

These insights reflect what I’ve observed and experienced in my own work life. I hope they resonate with you too.

© 2024 Amelie Chambord