This summer, the Sea Change team had the privilege of taking five weeks off as part of our organization’s partial summer closure. We shared some of the reasons for this approach in our blog Mental Health and Seasonal Work Cycles. We started back at work last week and want to share some of our reflections on the benefits and impacts of rest and flexibility in our work.
One member of our team reflects that, “This time away was a deeply enriching experience that allowed me to reconnect with my family, immerse myself in nature, and reconnect with myself in ways that are often difficult in the hustle and bustle of everyday work life. The opportunity to step away from the screen, feel the warmth of the sun, and rest in the sand did wonders for my nervous system. It allowed me to take a wider view of our work and see the impact we’re making through a refreshed and rejuvenated lens.”
Another team member says, “This break also gave me the space to let go of the constant “trying” and instead allow the gifts of our work to come into awareness naturally. In those moments of stillness, clarity and blue-sky thinking emerged, along with a renewed energy to bring fresh ideas into our future projects. It’s amazing what can come to you when you simply allow yourself to just be. I’m returning to work refreshed and invigorated, ready to continue creating the conditions that allow everyone we work with to play, perform, and live to their fullest potential.”
We believe that rest, reflection, and flexibility can fuel the kind of leadership that is required of us. As we lead teams and organizations in their equity-centred learning and organizational change, we need to be strategic and grounded. We need time to reflect on the impacts of our work, and what we’re learning about how we’re doing the work. We want to be the change we’re trying to create in the world – to seek and pilot solutions that could work for business, non-profit, and the public sector.
With this growing awareness around the benefits of flexibility, it came as a surprise last week to learn that the Nova Scotia provincial government is mandating its non-unionized employees to be back to the office five days a week, starting October 15. This lack of flexibility is a harsh statement after years of work-from-home and flexibility policies. In particular, it has huge impacts on parents and caregivers, as well as people with disabilities, who may need more time and flexibility to prepare for and get to an office. This shift in policy doesn’t reflect the provincial government’s goal of achieving an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030.
Sea Change helps organizations create inclusive and welcoming spaces, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can thrive. Flexibility and rest are critical ingredients of inclusive, trusting work cultures. As we reflect on our own experiences and the changing landscape of work, we reaffirm our commitment to advocate for policies and practices that support well-being and equitable access. We encourage organizations to consider the profound benefits that rest and flexibility bring, not only to individual employees, but to the collective health and productivity of the entire team. In doing so, we can all contribute to a work environment that is not only more humane, but also more effective and innovative.