Employees Don’t Want More Performative Wellness Hacks

We all experience some level of complexity at work. To fight the tide of complexity and improve the overall work environment, all too often leaders focus on improving their "culture." Frankly, they're going about it all wrong.

They're not really focused on culture – they're focusing on cultural aesthetics: colorful walls, meditation spaces, cool furniture, organic food in the cafeteria. While these perks are nice, they're not the foundation of a strong culture. And what good are benefits if employees are too busy to use them?

Culture is the work we do every day.

We continually underestimate the importance of getting work RIGHT. Netflix founder Reed Hastings talks about an a-ha moment where he overheard employees in a hot tub complaining about work. His first thought? Pretty ironic to complain about work while you're sitting in a hot tub your company provided. But the moment made him realize: they didn't want a hot tub; they wanted to do more meaningful work and less of the unnecessary time sucks they were talking about. They weren't complaining about having to work; in fact, they were complaining that they couldn't do more of the work they were hired to do in the first place. THAT work they were DYING to spend more time on. Here's the thing: if the work you do every day is mostly mundane tasks like meetings, reports, and emails, that's your culture. Yes, perks matter, but more importantly, we need engaging work.

When you get the work right, you get the culture right.

If you're a leader looking to improve your work environment, start by taking concrete steps to make work more meaningful and impactful. Get rid of unnecessary bureaucracy, empower your team, and provide opportunities for growth and development. It's why Google has "Cut the Crap Committees," and why Pfizer holds "Kill A Stupid Rule" sessions. Time sucks kill culture, and morale. The issue isn't the perks, it's the work.

A Culture of Burnout

When work is overly complex and devoid of meaning, it leads to burnout. A 2023 Gallup poll found that 73% of employees are not engaged or actively disengaged at work. This lack of engagement can lead to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and lower morale.

By focusing on the work itself, we can create a culture where people are motivated, engaged, and fulfilled. When people feel like they're making a difference, they're more likely to go the extra mile.

Complexity: The Main Culture Killer

Complexity is the enemy of culture. Excessive rules, processes, and bureaucracy can suck the life out of even the most passionate employees. When people are bogged down by meaningless tasks, they become disengaged and unproductive.

To create a thriving culture, we need to simplify our work. This means eliminating unnecessary meetings, streamlining processes, and empowering employees to make decisions. By focusing on simplicity, we can create a more efficient, effective, and enjoyable workplace.

Time for Meaningful Work

So, stop worrying about ping-pong tables and bean bag chairs. Instead, focus on creating a work environment where people can do their best work. When you get the work right, the culture will follow.