We spend a lot of time at our workplaces or with our coworkers. So much so, they often feel like they’ve become family. Rightfully so… We spend more time with our coworkers than we do with our actual families.
But are workplaces really family?
I’ve struggled writing this post for a long time. Why? Because I used to be of the mindset that our coworkers become our family.
And, now, I’m finding myself walking back this belief.
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
Are Workplaces Really Family?
The idea that our workplace and coworkers are family seems like a great idea. We spend time together, we accomplish big goals together, and we rise or fall based on the performance of those around us.
Families do the same thing. Members spend time together. They work toward big goals together. And the family unit rises and falls based on the performance (effort) that members of the family put into it.
It seems only natural to start considering the workplace and those in it family.
I want to caution you to reconsider this idea of the workplace as family.
Here’s why:
- Workplaces get rid of underperformers, families don’t: Businesses are about making money, seeing growth, and expanding. This requires members of the workplace to perform well. Salespeople have to bring in new customers, accounts payable have to pay the bills, and producers have to produce. If they don’t, the organization has to decide whether the person should remain on the team. Families, on the other hand, don’t get rid of underperformers. They’re family, they’re part of a forever unit. You don’t get rid of underperformers in families; you do in workplaces.
- Coworkers leave for something better, family members don’t: Workplaces are temporary habitats for their employees. Whether it’s poor performance (see above) or an employee finding a better offer, people come and go. Most of the time, coworkers leave for better opportunities at other workplaces. They see a bigger paycheck, an opportunity for advancement, or a fun challenge and decide to pack their bags and leave. In families, we stick it out through the good times and the bad times. We don’t leave because there’s a better-looking potential spouse, someone who treats us better, or a bigger retirement potential. We know that families are a long-haul investment, not a temporary stopping point.
Do these thoughts make sense? Can you see how workplaces can become toxic when we treat them as families rather than as places to make a temporary difference?
People stick it out in toxic work environments way too long because they feel guilty about leaving coworkers they care about. They believe they shouldn’t leave because they’re part of the family.
Maybe that’s the reason so many workplaces pitch themselves as families. They know that if they can get their employees thinking about the workplace as a family unit, leaving will be more difficult. The employee will tough it out because they don’t want to leave their family. In reality, they’d be leaving a job, not a family.
Your coworkers can become your friends. Even your close friends. However, we have to change the way we think about the workplace and whether or not they’re really family.
This mindset doesn’t mean you treat your employees poorly. Instead, you treat them like family. You pay them what they’re worth, care for them, and help them out when you can.
But, in the end, they’re not family. They’re valuable members of your team and society. So, treat them as such.
