Working Environment

Going to the office is not simply just going to a particular place. We are moving and exchanging. We move and exchange norms, rules, and people to deal with that are possibly different from our home. We are going to meet a working environment.

In Indonesia, most people define 'office' as something formal in their routine. The formality of their thoughts creates a particular working environment that I may say tend to be more serious than it is. Our people still value working as something urgent, an obligation that needs to be conducted and there is no bargaining in this principle. Well, that is good, and it must be like that. But what makes me keep wondering is why our people are so difficult to create positive working environment.

Working environment is created. Usually it is initiated by the pioneers in a company, and the rest will follow, or even improve. How lucky we are if we have positive working environment, but the condition is not that satisfying in negative working environment.

As I quote from a site talking about working environment; "Work-life balance is about people having a measure of control over when, where and how they work, leading them to be able to enjoy an optimal quality of life. Work-life balance is achieved when an individual's right to a fulfilled life inside and outside paid work is accepted and respected as the norm, to the mutual benefit of the individual, business and society. "http://www.bris.ac.uk/pwe/work_life_balance.html

Is the working environment in your office positive?

When people do not respect each other's privacy, that's one sign of bad environment. When all people want to be greeted but they do not want to start first, that's bad. When you have to be the first person that always starts the smile, and they do not do the same thing like you, that's a pity. The worst thing is when your existence is not important at all for them. Then you start asking; “what’s the matter with me and them?” If you really experience those conditions, I’m afraid you can not stay in this kind of environment for long term. Unless you are mature enough dealing with these chaoses or even you don’t care at all.

It is not easy to start understanding others. It’s not easy to listen more. It is not easy to open our mind towards someone’s idea or opinion. Those difficulties really hamper us.

What makes us difficult to understand others?

The desire to be respected is the biggest enemy. Deep inside our heart, we need friends that support us and who are always at our side whether we are right or wrong. We need to be the main policy maker, so that everyone bows down and respect us. But, what if the facts do not support our willingness? Will you be angry? burned out? regret? upset? Or just let it go, and I don’t care.

I have seen a lot of people who are too fast to be proud of themselves and few people who can put away their ego and keep it safely in their pockets. Is it because of the education? generation problems? Or what?

I am searching for the answer, I keep observing then immediately learn something from what I observe. There must be some reasons that support my answer. Keep understanding people is the best way.