Recently, I was reminded of the power we all have to make a difference in the lives of others and the importance of human connection in our work lives. While I typically work remotely from Arizona, I made the voluntary decision to travel to both my US and London offices. This allowed me to connect with and be present for my team, co-workers, and work family. Simply by being present and connecting with people, I discovered a renewed sense of purpose in the work I do and witnessed the transformative potential of work in shaping lives and the world around us.
The past few years, emerging from the pandemic, have been a traumatic period in human history. The nature of work has undergone significant changes, with a large number of people now working remotely. This has sparked debates on the effectiveness and viability of remote work, often leading to extreme positions where individuals are either fully in favor or completely against it.
I believe that the choices are not limited to these all-or-nothing extremes. The reality is more nuanced. There are indeed genuine benefits to both remote work and coming together in an office setting. Those who advocate for remote work recognize its advantages for individuals, productivity, and companies. On the other hand, there are undeniable benefits to gathering in an office environment, fostering human connection, and drawing upon our inherent social nature. Throughout history, human beings have found belonging, security, and common purpose through face-to-face interactions, whether it be sharing meals, celebrating successes, or supporting one another through challenges.
During my visit to our London office, I had the opportunity to meet many of my co-workers in person for the first time. The diversity and inclusiveness of our work culture were vividly evident as I heard voices speaking Dutch, French, Spanish, Welsh, Irish, and Scottish. Our remarkable and inviting workspace at Henrietta House in London provided an ideal setting for essential conversations about work. Meeting people face-to-face allowed me to offer my assistance to my co-workers in advancing our company’s mission, while also receiving the gifts of accommodation, welcoming inclusion, and collaborative problem-solving.
Furthermore, for me personally, it was about bringing people together to acknowledge their hard work and sacrifices. Many of these individuals did not report to me or exist in any organizational chart with my name at the top. Yet, the essence of coming together lies in recognizing that we are all part of the same team, united by a common cause and shared purpose. We all have families, we all age, and we all come from diverse backgrounds. The human family transcends the boundaries of a multinational corporation or a small team. This was the underlying motivation behind my visit—to remind myself and others that we are in this together, supporting one another in our shared struggles. Every individual has value and worth, and I discovered a renewed sense of optimism that together, we can overcome any challenges that lie ahead.
Lastly, my trip to the United Kingdom, particularly London, was an exceptional experience. London is a wonderfully diverse and inclusive city, where cultures from all over the world are welcomed and celebrated. The people of London were kind, quick-witted, and eager to share their humor and wisdom. As I ventured to places like the Cotswolds and York, I realized that London served as a magnifying glass, reflecting the spirit of diversity and inclusivity found across the country. Great Britain set a remarkable example, showcasing how individuals from various faiths and backgrounds can maintain their unique cultural identities while coexisting harmoniously.
