How to create an Antiwork culture in your organisation
Tips and strategies for building a work environment that prioritises wellbeing and happiness.
Work is an important aspect of many people’s lives, as it can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, as well as financial stability. Additionally, work can offer opportunities for personal and professional growth, and can provide a sense of accomplishment and contribution to society.
However, it’s important to recognise that work is just one aspect of life, and it’s important to find a balance between work and other areas of life, such as personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care. It’s also important to remember that the value of work goes beyond just financial compensation, and it’s important to consider factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and the opportunity to make a positive impact.
When we talk about “Antiwork culture”, we are referring to a movement that questions the traditional work culture that places a high value on long hours, productivity, and material success. Antiwork culture advocates for a shift in focus towards personal fulfilment, mental health, and work-life balance, while rejecting the notion that work should be the centre of our lives. The movement encourages individuals to question their own relationship with work, and to explore alternative ways of living and working that prioritise their well-being.
In our opinion, one of the main benefits of Antiwork culture is that it promotes mental and physical health. The traditional work culture often leads to burnout, stress, and other health problems. Antiwork culture encourages individuals to prioritise their well-being and to find a healthy balance between work and personal life, which can lead to better health outcomes. This approach also acknowledges that people have lives outside of work, including families, hobbies, and other interests, and that work should not consume all of their time and energy.
Here are 5 key tips from us to anyone who is interested in creating an Antiwork culture at their organisation:
Be transparent
An Antiwork organisation operates in a fully transparent way by making sure to include everyone in decision making processes and ensuring rigorous accountability. You don’t like nasty surprises! Neither do your employees.
Treat people fairly
People are intrinsically motivated by the need for fairness. Research clearly indicates that when people are treated unfairly, it triggers the same fight-flight-freeze stress response as an actual physical threat. An Antiwork organisation is inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities and has policies in place to ensure genuinely equal treatment.
Strive for sustainability
People care deeply about our environment and they are becoming less tolerant of the way organisations abuse and mismanage our precious natural resources. An Antiwork organisation therefore makes environmental sustainability a top priority and proactively works to minimise its impact on our planet.
Be flexible
When people are not exhausted and stressed, they are better able to think outside the box, come up with new ideas, and be more productive in the long run. By creating a culture that values autonomy, trust, and creativity, Antiwork culture can foster an environment that is conducive to innovation and growth. An Antiwork organisation deploys innovative solutions to provide employees with genuinely flexible working arrangements with no strings attached.
Balance matters
The Antiwork.io logo is based on an ancient symbol that represents balance. This is how important we think it is! An Antiwork organisation should actively assist their employees with maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life whilst providing opportunities for employees to learn new skills.
When people are able to find a healthy work-life balance and pursue their own interests and passions outside of work, they are more likely to experience a sense of purpose and fulfilment in their lives. This can lead to greater job satisfaction, higher productivity, and more meaningful connections with others.
In short, Antiwork culture can be seen as a movement that seeks to create a healthier, more fulfilling, and more productive work environment by shifting the focus away from traditional work structures and towards personal fulfilment, creativity, and well-being.
You can learn more about the 12 traits of an Antiwork-compliant organisation here.