In a bit of a departure from my normal personal finance discussion, I’d like to chat about how being altruistic can not only help yourself, but those around you. Altruism is the moral practice of concerning one’s self for the happiness of others. Acts defined as altruistic selflessly help others to improve their well-being and boost their confidence. In the past couple of years, we have seen human resource experts push for altruism in the workplace. This is driven by the influx of millennials in various industries. Us millennials are often concerned about well-being, charities, social enterprises, and relationships in the workplace. They seek connectedness and want to give back to communities. I personally work at a company where I believe there’s a great spirit of altruism, and it honestly makes me proud as an employee to work there.

Are Altruistic Leaders Better?

When employees see their bosses helping others in the workplace, that will push them to help their colleagues, too. Altruistic leaders are better leaders because they lead by example. One cool example comes from Singapore, where the boss of a large transit system there led with such an example that many SMRT workers are trying to follow the footsteps of SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming.

Mr. Seah sacrificed a day job to make sure that SMRT gets all his focus and attention. During a visit to SMRT staff in the early days of his leadership, Mr. Seah urged them to help the company regain the trust and confidence of the public. He said they should work as ‘one family’ to oversee challenges and obstacles that hinder the company’s growth.

Aside from that, he also wanted to hear feedback from the ground. Such actions are necessary to make the staff feel that in the company, the goal is for everyone to feel comfortable about their positions and to help each other achieve their goals. Over time, the company became successful in regaining the public’s trust and confidence.

Wouldn’t you like to have a boss like that?

Why Is Altruism Important in the Workplace?

It is understandable that employees are not jumping the gun to help their colleagues. After all, it is a pretty competitive world out there. Not to mention, people are tired from the work they have to do that offering help to others seems like an exhaustive measure to boost everyone’s confidence in the office. You may ask yourself, ‘Why would anyone deserve 10 minutes of my time when I couldn’t even take a quick bathroom break because of so much work?’

Instinctively, you might agree to the wisdom of this thought. However, studies after studies showed that people are happier when they help each other. This is the same feeling you get when you give gifts to your family on Christmas. Making people happy makes you happy, too.

Scientists are calling this phenomenon the helper’s high. It means that people get a kick out of seeing others happy that it also improves their moods. The feeling may actually be more helpful to the giver than the recipient. Studies showed that there is a significant reduction in stress in people who help others.

How Is Altruism Linked to Productivity?

Altruism defines one’s purpose. By helping others, you realise that you have a purpose in life. It redefines your identity and validates your contributions to the company. These realizations will make your work better. Employees become more productive when they know their company needs them. Self-assurance is critical for any company and its employers and employees. Insecurity has no place in a successful organisation.

When there’s altruism in the workplace, it improves the level of friendships among colleagues, too. This creates a positive environment in the office. Employees will feel better in the morning waking up to go to work. They know they can happily spend their day with their colleagues-turned-friends. Sometimes, they might even hang out after working hours or even during the weekend.

How Can You Encourage Altruism in the Workplace?

Altruism, of course, doesn’t come naturally for everyone. Some are too busy with their professional and personal lives that they cannot give time to help others. You can encourage altruism in the workplace by rewarding your employees for team projects. You can also encourage a buddy system where two persons will be responsible for the well-being of others. This will push your employees to work together for the better of the company.

Employers need to lead by example. Institutionalise an open-door policy in your office. When someone in your employ needs help, don’t hesitate to extend a hand. Such actions will encourage others to lend a hand, too, when their colleagues need it. If they see you making an effort to be helpful of even the lowest rank in your employee list, then that will push them to do the same.

An organization where everyone is willing to help each other. Isn’t that the dream? You can achieve that by leading the pack and encouraging everyone to do the same. When your workers are concerned about the welfare of others, that will create the kind of positive working environment that will foster camaraderie and teamwork.

Summary

Live your life and work by the golden rule – doing unto others as you’d like them to do to you, and always be willing to lend a hand! You, your bosses, and colleagues will be a lot happier and more productive at work! If you’re not in a position of authority to enact these changes, know that you can lead by example on your own!

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