7 Incredible Benefits of Compassion in the Workplace
Everyone in our industry understands the unique challenges we face 24/7. As restoration professionals, we help our clients through very difficult situations. The job requires more than mechanical expertise and a craftsman’s touch. It also needs a compassionate human touch.
In the years since I opened ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, I’ve come to appreciate the benefits of compassion in the workplace. The positive effects we have on our customers’ lives start right here under our roof. A culture of kindness, trust and respect also serves as a solid foundation for business success.
My employees are an amazing mix of talented people. These hardworking women and men come from different backgrounds, their ages range from 20 to 50, and their nationalities reflect Chicago’s wonderful diversity. Each one believes in our Acts of Kindness policy, and they put it into action every day. Every day, I see the benefits of compassion in our workplace and out in the field. Here are the seven biggest benefits I see:
1. It’s Great for Employee Morale
When the job gets tough, we lean on each other. When one of our technicians feels overwhelmed by a project, we all pitch in. Compassion at our workplace means really caring about each other, and that helps us face everything that comes our way personally and professionally.
2. Job Performance Gets Better
We all try to hire the right people for our restoration companies. Once they’re on board, we need to appreciate their eagerness to learn and give them every opportunity to improve their skills. By cultivating their talents, we encourage our employees to become their best, and that’s good for business.
3. Teamwork Stays Strong
Successful restoration work depends on solid teamwork. I believe compassion in our workplace fosters a strong sense of unity. We watch out for each other. We know we can count on each other. This sense of security holds us together as a team regardless of the challenges we face.
4. Turnover Stays Low
When employees know they’re appreciated, they feel secure in their jobs. When they know their work is valued, they take pride in everything they do. Almost all my staff and field techs have been with me since the beginning. I credit that loyalty to maintaining a respectful, supportive work environment.
5. Dealing With Stress Is Easier
Helping clients recover from fire and water damage takes a toll emotionally and physically. Compassion in my workplace includes providing small things that keep us grounded between projects. For example, we push back on job stress in our game room where we hang out, play dominoes and watch sports on TV.
6. Customer Service Is Outstanding
When I implemented our Acts of Kindness policy years ago, I knew it would have a positive impact on our customers. Team members often buy lunch for a client or help an older customer run errands. They even replanted a client’s garden after a house fire. That strong sense of caring that we share at headquarters brings out the best in my teams as they serve our customers in the field.
7. You’re Building a Better Future
I’ve always wanted my work to make a difference, so I try to be an effective leader. I see each one of my employees as a potential leader, too. Making compassion a part of our work culture gives them room to grow personally and professionally. I know it builds a better future for all of us.
We All Do Our Best
The topic of compassion in the workplace doesn’t come up often at industry conferences, but it’s made a real difference at my business in so many ways. My staff and field crews give every project their best, and our customer feedback is always positive.
I believe that most of us in the restoration industry work hard to keep our employees and customers happy and satisfied. We all take pride in doing our best to improve the lives we touch. At the same time, we know we’re growing successful businesses too. Taking care of each other makes it all a little easier.
Diana Rodriguez-Zaba founded ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba in 2008. As one of the largest restoration franchises in Chicago, Diana and her team take pride in serving Chicagoland with fire and water damage restoration services, as well as specialty cleaning.