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“ Charity is to will and do what is just and right in every transaction. “ – Quote by the late Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish pluralistic-Christian theologian, scientist, philosopher
With a long inning in corporate circles as a tourism & hospitality professional, I have been witness to many trends, philosophies, learnings, and policies. As someone interested in knowing people, I won’t call myself a “people’s person” though, I have spent hours getting to know professionals on a one–on–one basis whether they are peers, juniors, or seniors. Here is my finding on what matters to them. They can b summed up by 3 words with the Letter C – career, community, and charity. In this blog, we are examining these 3 words and what they mean to professionals.
Career – Talking about the importance of a career when it comes to professionals is like talking about “taking coal trains to Newcastle / Dhanbad”. For those who are not familiar with the quote, both these places are hubs of the coal industry in their respective countries. Careers are important for all of us. They need to be planned with strategies and education to back them up as one moves up the corporate ladder. Careers allow you to grow as a person, find your strengths & weaknesses and put your varied skills to the grindstone. Everyone is very protective of their career’s trajectory, though are those who are lazy, lack ambition, or are lackadaisical about their careers.
Community - The pandemic has taught us that we are not alone; we need a whole community to support us and ensure our wellbeing. It is about human beings - being valued, nourished & nurtured, and appreciated by all. It is not about only the professional community. It also refers to loved ones, neighbours, friends, and others who are the “wind beneath our wings “. It gives us bonds and a feeling of togetherness. In Codleo, regular events are organized to ensure that all employees come together in a social setting and get to know each. This helps in fostering a feeling of community that keeps us motivated and energized at work, and outside.
Charity – The issue of charity and purpose resonates stronger with elder / mature professionals and not with the young people in their 20s and 30s. I am not generalizing, there are exceptions of young people who are concerned about their companies and it’s giving back to society/community through charity, etc. Professionals want to work with companies that make a meaningful impact and are not just profit-making machines. Working with companies that are a mix of cash and charity is the ideal scenario. It leaves employees feeling content and soul nourished. It acts as a motivating factor that helps in stemming attrition levels that plague all corporates. Try it. Feels good for all stakeholders.
A company that brings the 3Cs into its culture, mission, and vision is ideal for the corporate citizenry. A combination of career, community, and charity is ideal to keep professionals content, motivated, and focused in their workplace.
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