2024 Strategic Summit

The recent pandemic redefined our work environment. Work-from-home blurred many of the longstanding boundaries that gave employees time to step away from work and re-energize before starting a new day. How do credit union leaders create balance so that employees find work meaningful and still have a fulfilling personal life?

In a recent interview with Catalyst, Sara Ross explored the concept of work vitality and the traps that hinder success in our jobs. She also provided strategies to cultivate strong relationships that enhance employee retention and help redefine work-life boundaries. Ross is the author of “Dear Work: Something Has to Change” and a speaker at Catalyst’s upcoming Economic & Payments Forum.

Defining work vitality

Work vitality, as described by Sara Ross, is the state of being alive, energetic and fully engaged in our work.

“It goes beyond mere job satisfaction and financial success, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning, purpose and fulfillment in our professional lives,” Ross said.

Work vitality is about experiencing a sense of connection, purpose and accomplishment in our daily tasks, leading to higher levels of motivation, productivity and overall well-being.

Identifying traps that hinder success

Ross said various traps can hinder success in our jobs, such as the “busyness trap.” In today's fast-paced work culture, many individuals equate being busy with being productive and successful. However, this constant busyness often leads to burnout, reduced effectiveness and a lack of work-life balance.

“It is important to shift our focus from mere busyness to meaningful work, prioritizing tasks and creating boundaries to avoid falling into this trap,” Ross emphasized.

“For example, being always reachable by cell phone should not mean always available.”

The goal, according to Ross, is to escape the busyness trap and learn to manage the stressors rather than try to eliminate them.

Cultivating strong relationships for employee retention

Cultivating strong relationships is important to enhancing employee retention, Ross said. To achieve this, senior management should adopt authentic leadership practices. This involves clearly communicating your credit union's vision and values, actively engaging with employees and providing support and resources for their development.

“By offering opportunities for employees to contribute ideas, collaborate on meaningful projects and take on leadership roles, credit unions foster a sense of ownership and engagement with staff,” Ross said.

Building a positive work culture that values work-life balance, recognizes achievements and provides regular feedback and growth opportunities is crucial for cultivating strong relationships and retaining valuable employees.

Redefining work-life boundaries

This is the era of work-life blur, where lines between work and personal life are fuzzy. Ross says redefining these boundaries will help increase employees’ work vitality.

“Establishing clear boundaries and routines is essential,” Ross added.

She recommended designating a dedicated workspace and setting specific work hours to help create a separation between work and personal life. Prioritizing self-care activities, such as mindfulness practices and self-accountability contributes to overall well-being and prevents burnout. Effective communication with colleagues and managers about availability and expectations further clarifies boundaries and ensures a healthy work-life integration.

Recognizing and avoiding traps, such as the busyness trap, credit unions can create an environment that fosters vitality and productivity. By prioritizing open communication and employee relationships, credit unions can cultivate strong relationships to lengthen employee retention.

Ross will share her insights for credit unions and individuals striving for a fulfilling and balanced work experience at the 2023 Economic & Payments Forum. Register today at Learning Center/Conferences on Catalyst Corporate’s website.