My previous positions have been at organizations that never really trusted and respected their employees. Be in the office from 9-5 every day, telecommute only with special permission. They never trusted their employees enough to offer them these things.

In those positions I never felt good enough about the the organization to properly engage with it. After 5, I disconnected and that was it. They demand I be in 9-5, well then, the rest of the time is mine, don’t bother me. I’m not going to check my work email through the weekend, and no, you can’t have my cell phone number. I’ll see you on monday!

Now that I am in a new organization that offers these things, I am feeling like contributing more. I am not in demand after hours, but hey, they’re cool to me, so if something comes up on the weekend I can take care of it.

Treat your employees well, and they will work hard for you. Trust is an amazing thing.

May 11th, 2008 by Jeremy Sisson | Trackback