A Reason for Optimism: Many People Enjoy Working
The study “I’m Sick Today” has demonstrated the connection between increasing exhaustion and rising sick leave rates. However, there are also positive signals. Despite pressure and high levels of fatigue, two-thirds of respondents (66.9%) still feel connected to their company. 81.1% report working hard, with the majority (78.9%) also enjoying their work.
Think Positively
These results are hopeful and show how crucial it is for employers and leaders to create an environment of optimism, especially in challenging times, to encourage employees to seek solutions and try new approaches. Strength is generated through an optimistic and creative handling of crises: when people see that they are capable of playing an active role in a community and are needed, it contributes to strengthening their self-image, identity, and ultimately their well-being.
To Err Is Human – Even at Work
Leaders must take the time to motivate their employees to think independently and act freely while also allowing room for mistakes. When new ideas or projects are pursued, the risk of failure is even higher than usual. Setbacks are part of daily operations: where a lot of work is done, some things inevitably go wrong. However, in German companies, mistakes are still equated with failure. Missteps often lead to a reprimand from the boss and sometimes even dismissal. As a result, errors are more likely to be denied or covered up.
Mistakes Are the Best Teachers
An open, consequence-free error culture is therefore essential, one in which failure is viewed as an opportunity for improvement and personal growth. Only when we admit our mistakes and deal with them constructively can we learn from them. Consistent error management supports the conscious handling of mistakes and, through methods of error detection, diagnosis, correction, and prevention, helps avoid repetition and serious consequences.
From an Error Culture to a Learning Culture
The key to establishing a positive error culture in companies is recognizing that mistakes provide valuable experiences. This requires a shift in perspective, especially from leaders. Of course, establishing such a culture takes time and collective effort, but it is worth it. A positive error culture fosters innovation, transparency, problem-solving, continuous learning, and optimism. Individuals and teams are supported in adapting to complex changes, breaking away from outdated routines, exploring new paths, and initiating improvement processes with renewed vigor.
Get Positive Reinforcement
PAWLIK supports you within the framework of the Wheel of Strength in the field of “Mobilizing Positive Forces” with methods for establishing an error culture and exercises tailored to your company and your needs, such as individual training in out-of-the-box thinking.
Think Out of the Black Box
In aviation, failures and mistakes are analyzed using the black box. This black, fire- and waterproof device contains flight recorders and communication logs for each flight. In the event of a crash, it allows for precise determination of when wrong decisions were made and how they can be avoided in the future. This black box thinking can be transferred to other areas and helps in understanding and preventing future errors.
Powerful Instead of Sick:
Background information on the blog series and the study
“Heute bin ich krank” (I’m Sick Today) can be found here.
