How do you care for an employee as a whole person?

Anne M. Mulcahy, former Xerox CEO, once said, “Employees who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person — not just an employee — are more productive, more satisfied, more fulfilled.”

This quote begs the question — Leaders, how do you care for someone as a whole person?

Here are a few habits that can help:

• Take the long way to your desk. Use the time to say hello and check in (personally) with others. 🗣

• Celebrate and (when appropriate) mourn significant dates with them. Births, deaths, graduations. 🎈

• Bring your whole self to work. If you’re comfortable, share your stories, celebrations, and struggles. This will most likely make them comfortable enough to reciprocate. 🤲

• Routinely ask what projects THEY want to be on and what education THEY want to receive. 📝

When you make the effort to show your employees that you recognize and value them as a human being, you cultivate feelings of safety and satisfaction in the workplace — a much easier environment to find high productivity and fulfillment in.