Understanding Human Element: Why Perspective Is Important In The Workplace

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

It is no longer news that Richard Branson discovered an employee napping during a surprise visit to the Virgin Australia office in Sydney several years ago; the discovery has gone viral online. Instead of reprimanding the employee, he chose to let the situation play out without confrontation. He took a photo next to him and posted it with the caption: “To remain the first company in customer satisfaction, this employee worked so hard and is now so tired, which forced him to rest a little.”

In an era when leadership styles have a significant impact on employee morale and organisational culture, Branson’s reaction exemplifies an important HR principle: understanding perspectives and perceptions.

While some employers may view the act of resting on the job as unprofessional, Branson’s compassionate response emphasises the importance of recognising human needs and cultivating an environment of empathy and understanding. This scenario highlights an important HR practice: balancing performance expectations with employee well-being to increase workplace productivity and satisfaction.

In a world where productivity is frequently prioritised over well-being, Richard Branson’s unexpected visit exemplifies an important lesson in human resource management: perspective matters. It emphasises the importance of understanding the broader context of employee behaviour before reaching conclusions with serious consequences, such as termination.

Perspectives and perception play important roles in life. While he sees him as a tired employee who needs to rest, another manager may interpret it as sleeping on the job. It is always beneficial to view things from different angles and put a human face on them.

Without a doubt, Branson’s encounter with an employee napping on the job could be interpreted as a lack of professionalism or productivity. However, his response demonstrates an enlightened approach to leadership. Rather than chastise the employee for perceived laziness, he recognised the hard work that resulted in exhaustion. This story serves as a reminder that every employee has a story, a context that shapes their behaviour at work.

HR professionals must take into account a variety of factors that may influence employee performance and behaviour, such as workload, personal issues, and workplace culture. Before taking drastic measures, such as firing an employee for what appears to be a lapse in judgment, leaders and managers should look into the root cause. This includes open communication to better understand the challenges that employees face and the conditions under which they work.

When employers choose to adopt this empathetic lens, they create a more respectful and trusting workplace. Employees who feel valued and understood are more likely to be loyal, engaged, and productive. Furthermore, organisations that prioritise employee well-being experience higher morale and lower turnover rates.

Emphasising the human element in HR practices is not a ‘nice-to-have’; it is a business requirement. Creating an environment in which employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns enables organisations to retain valuable talent and implement corrective measures that improve overall performance.

To summarise, Richard Branson’s perspective on the sleeping employee is an excellent example of thoughtful leadership. It emphasises the importance for employers to consider the larger context of employee actions before making snap decisions that could cost a dedicated worker their job. Understanding the “why” behind behaviours allows leaders to create vibrant work cultures that celebrate hard work and recognise their teams’ human needs. After all, the goal is to develop a productive and well-supported workforce.

In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes work environment, we frequently hear about the value of skills, efficiency, and results. While these are unquestionably important drivers of success, another dimension is frequently overlooked: the human factor. Understanding the importance of perspective in the workplace can have a significant impact on how teams work, how leaders manage, and, ultimately, how businesses thrive.

At its core, perspective is the distinct viewpoint formed by an individual’s experiences, beliefs, and values. Every employee, whether an intern or a CEO, brings their personal history to the table, influencing how they interpret situations, deals with challenges, and interacts with coworkers.

Understanding and embracing diverse perspectives is critical in workplaces where people from various backgrounds, age groups, and cultures collaborate. It fosters a more inclusive and empathetic environment, which encourages creativity and problem-solving.

Collaboration flourishes when people feel understood and valued. Leaders can foster an open culture by recognising the validity of each team member’s point of view. This environment encourages employees to share their ideas and concerns without fear of being judged, resulting in improved collaboration and teamwork.

Diverse perspectives offer a broader range of solutions to problems. When people approach a problem from different perspectives, they bring new ideas to the table, increasing the chances of finding innovative and effective solutions. A diverse team can analyse problems from various perspectives, resulting in more robust decisions.

Understanding the human element in the workplace increases empathy and emotional intelligence. Employees can empathise more easily when they recognise that others may perceive a situation differently based on their individual experiences. This emotional intelligence is essential for resolving conflicts, establishing trust, and maintaining a positive work environment.

Employees who believe their perspectives are valued are more likely to be engaged and satisfied with their jobs. Workers are more invested in their jobs when they believe their opinions are considered in decision-making processes. This, in turn, increases morale, productivity, and loyalty to the organisation.

The business landscape is constantly changing. Teams that embrace diverse perspectives are better able to adapt and navigate uncertainty. Whether it is adapting to new technologies, market trends, or internal restructuring, a flexible mindset helps organisations stay competitive.

Leaders play an important role in determining how perspectives are valued in the workplace. Encouraging open dialogue, promoting active listening, and practising inclusivity are just a few of the ways leaders can create an environment in which all perspectives are respected. Leaders should also acknowledge and address their own biases to avoid creating an echo chamber of similar ideas. This is especially important when managing teams with diverse generations or cultural backgrounds.

A leader’s ability to connect with their employees and see things through their eyes can also help to reduce turnover. Employees are less likely to leave a company in which they feel heard and valued. A simple effort to recognise different points of view can make employees feel valued, improving their overall experience and commitment to the organisation.

While leadership sets the tone, individual employees also contribute to the development of a perspective-oriented culture. Here are some practical ways to embrace the human element in your workplace:

Listen to what others are saying without interrupting or prejudging. Listening allows you to fully understand others’ points of view, and you should always be open to hearing new perspectives, especially those that challenge your own. This is because growth frequently comes from engaging with ideas that take you outside of your comfort zone.

In a similar vein, try to imagine yourself in your colleagues’ shoes. How does their background affect their approach to work? Also, be open about your thoughts on a situation, but do so respectfully and open to hearing other people’s perspectives.

The reason for the preceding viewpoint cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand because, in a rapidly changing workplace, understanding the human element is more than just a soft skill; it is a strategic advantage. Organisations can foster a more inclusive, creative, and adaptable environment by valuing each individual’s unique perspectives. Whether you are a leader or an employee, embracing perspective can result in better collaboration, problem-solving, and a more engaged and satisfied workforce. After all, understanding each other’s perspectives allows us to truly see the big picture.