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An old outdated management philosophy was that business and pleasure should never mix. Accompanying that belief was the attitude that what happened at home should be left at home and not brought to work, and vice versa. What the basis of that theory was, I guess we shall never know.

However, the remnants of that management ethos still pervade the culture of many modern organisations; organisations where people are not encouraged to mix home and business life.

Not only do I consider this attitude abhorrent, I defy any feeling human being to be able to completely separate all twelve areas of their lives into independent compartments such that no area has any effect on another. To do so would cease to be human.

My personal attitude to business is the exact opposite. I believe the degree to which an individual can integrate all aspects of their lives, plays a major role in increasing the overall quality of their life and those around them. As such I am a strong advocate for involving spouses and families in business activities as much as possible.

One way to do this is to have regular social events for staff and their families. In larger entities, the organisation of these events is usually left up to staff social clubs, and in general they do a good job. The problem I have with this arrangement is that in many instances it absolves management of any input or involvement in such events. It is therefore seen as a ‘staff’ function rather than a ‘company’ function and as such, the importance of these events from a company cultural perspective is greatly diminished.

I believe senior management needs to be intimately involved in all aspects of company social events.

These events should occur on a regular basis and cater for a variety of interests including golf days, restaurant dinners, movies, ballet and opera, visiting musical superstars, fishing trips, car rallies, family picnics etc. etc.

Try some of these events out for size and observe what happens to staff turnover and absenteeism rates. Staff, just like customers, go where they are wanted, and stay where they are appreciated.

Until next week, many happy customer returns!

Graham Harvey APS

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