HR Philosophy 4.1: Essence of Vitality in Orgnizations

Preface: In the last article we discussed on the essence and importance of ‘physical existence’ of an employee. The condition of the physical health would form the basis of the extent of vitality or life, that an employee would infuse in an organization..

And isn’t infusing life into the organization and its employees one of the corner stones of HR’s role?

Delightful is the profession, called HR,
Contributing joy n’ happiness by the hour.
It is gentle and soft as the moon beams
Bringing people of sorts, into lively teams!

How vital is vitality in an organization?

Vitality is the life force, the life line of an organization. It is an indispensable instrument that we cannot do without. As said in the story earlier, a person without vitality is like an earthworm without a backbone.

Studied closely, vitality is a spectrum having different shades. Vitality could lead to exaltation and make a person reach the seventh heaven, at the same time, it could fling down the same person into a lethal pit.

There are times, when in our enthusiasm, we have felt like ripping the world apart. Our zeal in life, made us feel like climbing the Everest. Riding on our dream filled ambitions, we have even tried to pining down a cloud and doing the impossible. This is the extent vitality can take us; make us walk on water.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have also screamed of our heads when we were blamed. We have cursed in frustration and have been shaken out of wits, in our failures. We have killed the mocking bird and bullied the weak, in contempt. We have also held ‘her’ hand a bit longer than necessary and at other times been repulsed because ‘they’ were not ‘my’ type?

Yes, vitality can make our brain cells discover the doors of heaven and its lustful desires can bring down hell.

“Welcome to the many faces of vitality!!!”

And imagine just a while back we agreed that organizations cannot do without vitality.

“Vitality thou art paradoxical!”

The whole challenge is in using vitality as an instrument, to positively convert the energies to the profit of the business and well being of people; at the same time be wary of the pitfalls, so that employees and the organization do not sink in the quick sand like nature of our vital.

Having understood the challenge the next question is how on earth, do we go about bringing enthusiasm, zeal and zest in the people in organization? Apparently, the man on the street goes to work because he has to, not because of any happiness.

But ask the HR and they with their wisdom and deep understanding of the human psyche, would tell you that if you scratch the common man, it is likely that you would find deep within, a sense of aspiration. An aspiration, seeking a perfect world where there is enough for everybody and where there is pure happiness, joy and love.

So, let us start from the very beginning, the controlling the grey shades of vital.

At the lower level, vitality is in the form of small desires, such as for food, sex, getting even, love of praise, anger when blamed. More often than not these feelings do not act to reason. They are out of impulses or sheer habits. Vanity, arrogance, disrespect to rules or authority, lame excuses, rationalizing lies are some of the symptoms.

HR thus sets rules and guidelines with regards to discipline, etiquette, sexual harassment, grievance, disputes and others which would define a certain code of conduct. These would not increase the enthusiasm in the organization, nor could anyone term this as ‘culture building’. These are necessary measures which would prevent the negative vitality rear its face.

HR, the conscious keepers, would raise the red flag against any suppression to the work force or any act which would lead to mechanization of life. An atmosphere would be nurtured where employees are protected from belittling influences. It is sad to say, that even now in the twenty first century, it is to be reiterated that every employee is as important as the other, irrespective of color, creed, race, nationality or social status.

The next shade of vitality in its spectrum would be love, adulation, fame ambition, pride, passions. The will to do!

At this juncture we could keep in mind the employer’s perspective, which would be to bond employees emotionally, instill a high level of commitment and involvement so that they perform better. The idea obviously would be to increase the share holders’ return, reduce attrition and increase sales.

As harbingers of vitality, HR would bring in practices that result into the following:
Ø Encourage team bonding
Ø Encourage growth
Ø Recognize talent
Ø Create Joyous and fun loving environment

These acts cannot be looked in isolation. The essence is to fan the fire of vitality so that it ushers in good business and raise the level humaneness in the organization. Keeping a fine balance in the aspirations of individual employees and the organization is the key.
As an example, the aspirations at different levels are illustrated below:

1) Encourage Team Bonding:
i) Employer goal: where each one is not merely for her/ himself but for a common (biz) goal
ii) Employee aspiration: Where each develops an awareness of discord in relationship within their world and then gradually discovers the principle of harmony in work place
2) Recognize Talent:
i) Employer goal: Where employees are rewarded and recognized for their talent based on business needs
ii) Employee aspiration: Where every employee understands that by sharing knowledge one would grow in knowledge and move away from ignorance
3) Encourage Growth:
i) Employer goal: Where targets are set based on business needs and employees’ capabilities are further enhanced accordingly where each one is not merely for her/ himself but for a common (biz) goal
ii) Employee aspiration: Where each one realizes their own life's goal through the work they do and is encouraged to grow and fulfill in that direction
4) Create joyous and Fun Loving Environment:
i) Employer goal: Where employees are de-stressed without digressing from company’s goal
ii) Employee aspiration: Where each one is engrossed in the music of love and mutual respect, thereby experiencing joy at work place

Therefore while designing Organization Structures, formulating schemes on Rewards and Recognition, Setting Performance Targets, Computing Compensation / Incentives packages including ESOPS or conducting employee engagement practices, the above thoughts may be kept in mind. Not that these activities are new to HR, but when the objective is to infuse a sense of liveliness in the system along with profits, the process of doing things would change drastically.

It would well to also understand that along with heights of ecstasy also comes agony. Vitality could also lead to feelings of fear of or on failure. Emotions on resentment of rules or practices that are perceived to be unfair could surface. Despondency on not being recognized or the sinking feeling of an oncoming pink slip would also have to be acknowledged. That is the way of life and cannot be wished away. But just because there is night we cannot wish away sunshine.

At this juncture programs on Mentorship and Leadership building is of paramount importance. It would be pertinent to build people related skills in assessment centers. Awareness on Emotional and Social Quotient would have to be understood. HR along with wearing the cap of a counselor themselves could also subtly bring in external counselors.

Here comes the beauty of the role of HR. How does HR bring together different policies and practices with tact and caution to bring fragments of humanity on a common platform and raise the efficiency of their organization in harmony to the highest level?

How does HR usher in an environment where people love to love their own work, where each one is not merely for herself / himself or that of the organization but even for the greater cause; that of humanity?

It is when we, the people, understand that by sharing knowledge and information with the others in the organization, we increase our own knowledge. It is only by respecting the will of the other that we can align our will to that of the organization. It is only by enlarging our compassion for others can we expect others to be compassionate to us. It is only when we understand the enthusiasm in others that we can fulfill our own enthusiasm.

When and only when HR brings about this belief of love and mutual respect in employees, can the work force rise above differences in their emotions, desires, will and ambition to take their organizations, in its full vitality, on to heights of glory in perfect harmony.

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“In men I met strange portions of a Self
That sought for fragments and in fragments lived:
Each lived in himself and for himself alone
And with the rest joined only fleeting ties;
Each passioned over his surface joy and grief,
Nor saw the Eternal in his secret house.” ... Sri Aurobindo, Savitri

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ps: The next article would be on "Essence of Fun Activities or shall we say Co- Business activities"

HR Philosophy- 3: Essence of Physical Health

“How long shall our spirits battle with the Night
And bear defeat and the brute yoke of death…
Annulled, frustrated, spent, we still survive.
In anguish we labour that from us may arise
A larger-seeing man with nobler heart,” **

Preface: This is next in the series of article on HR philosophy. In the earlier articles http://kisholoygupta.blogspot.com/2009/02/h-r-philsophy.html we discussed that employees are sacred and central to the prosperity of the business. Further, it was explained that ‘man’ has to be taken care holistically in terms of physical health, vitality, emotions and intelligence. Man’s life is also about wisdom and a lot of soul searching.
This article deals at the first level, that is, with the essence and importance of care, for physical health of employees, from an HR perspective.
Essence of Physical Health:
Isn’t immortality one of man’s earliest aspirations? Isn’t basic health a basic human right in this world?
Then why is it that when we see our brethren in mines, factories and even plush offices reeling under the yoke of ill health? The physical, biological and ergonomic occupational hazards are so common that over time we begin to accept it as a part of our normal life. Disastrous!
Does the HR in organization have a role and responsibility towards this? HR is a noble profession and I strongly believe in the affirmative.
The essence of the HR philosophy in this regard is that:
The body of man must be cared for so that, for his desires in this material world, man does not disregard the value of good health. Man must be protected against disease and preventable death. Finally man must be physically made to feel comfortable to discharge his normal duties with optimum efficiency.
Don’t we understand that the body of a man could prove to be the ultimate stumbling block in it its efficiency? Migraines, back aches, ulcers, rashes, common cold are just the tip in the endless list for elementary physical problems which mars the vitality of man. Every moment, in our daily lives our vitality is at constant war with our physique.
The challenge is to lift the power of man to the level where the physical, responses perfectly with the vital emotions.
Health, strength, physical perfection and bodily happiness accelerate the efficiency. After all don’t facilities provided reflect the company’s performance?
To begin with, the HR policies with regards to health and physical care should in relation to the five sense organs.
To illustrate, HR could advocate greenery in the environment and the illumination that are cooling to the eyes. Policies on noise or music could be stipulated. The smell in the environment is as also important. An office or a workshop which smells badly could well reduce the efficiency. Where there are hazardous working conditions affecting the breathing, as in mica mines or chemical laboratories, safety precautions should be suitably ensured. Guidelines regarding temperature inside the working premises should be such as to optimize the output of the people working.
Issues with regards to the sense of taste could be very sensitive. There ought to be carefully worded instructions regarding food, beverages and the water provided to ensure that they are hygienic and palatable.
It would be futile to announce a universal policy on health and physical care therefore these are but guiding thoughts to formulate policies.
There are other related policies which relate to the physical health and comfort. For example there are policies on Travel, Leave, Working hours, Accommodation (guest houses, housing and housing loans), transportation, canteen and others.
Some organizations construct housing colonies for their employees, some have their own hospitals, while some others provide cars and buses to carry their employees to their work place. It is common to cover insurance policies for employees and their families.
There are organizations that go over board in taking care of employees. There is this anecdote of a whole restaurant shutting down for half an hour during lunch time, so that the employees of the restaurant could have their lunch break!
Therefore now the pertinent question is:
If HR supposes itself to be a noble profession and understands that care and respect for the human body is not only a basic human right but an innate human aspiration from its earliest origin, to what degree of employee comfort, should the HR policies be stipulated?
When it comes to health insurance, working from home, working hours, vacation, travel, seating to what extent should organizations go in caring for employees?
How safe should our work place be and how healthy our environment?
Not withstanding the fact the fact we are in challenging time which are almost tyrannical, please throw some light towards a guiding philosophy as to what extent should organization go towards caring for the physical health of its employees.
How much of these facilities / benefits would be too much and how little is the least that companies can do?
Citizens of the HR world, dream a rainbow, usher a golden change and create a new world! We are an integral part of the creation. Please, do come forward with your views!


“In anguish we labour that from us may arise
A larger-seeing man with nobler heart” **
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p.s. While I await views from readers, I prepare for the next article which would be the HR philosophy on caring for the emotion and the intellect of employees.

** Sri Aurobindo, Savitri

HR Philosophy - 2: Understanding Life

In my last article http://kisholoygupta.blogspot.com/2009/02/h-r-philsophy.html I had discussed about the employees being central to the prosperity of business, not withstanding the fact that customers remain the kings. While concluding the article I had mentioned that in my next article I would explain the 'Human' aspect of business.

Before we delve into the human aspect of business, it would be pertinent to understand the perspective of human life, as explained in the following story:

There lived in the olden days a wise old man who was a potter. He was renowned for his wisdom and people from all over would flock to him for advice.

One day, his son came to him and asked, “Father, can you tell me what the real meaning of life is? Is it only the physical comfort and the food we eat? Or is it something much more than that?”

His father replied, “Go and learn the ways of the world. Go, seek deep within yourself, meditate and seek for the answer”.

The son meditated, learnt the ways of the world and when he thought that he was close to a solution, he went back to his father.

“Father”, he said, “Life is all about “life energy”. Life is Vitality. If a person does not have the vitality, the enthusiasm, the zest, the zeal, the will to do, he would be like a worm; a being without a spinal chord. Life would be meaningless without the life energy.

So, Father, life is all about vitality.”

The son continued.

“However, Father, I am not sure if I have the complete answer. I think life is much more than that”.

“Go, meditate and you will have your answer, my son”, were his father’s words.

The son goes and meditates, seeking the answer to life. Something stirs within him. A thought strikes him and then he goes back to his father.

“Father, I have observed that you have the knowledge about almost everything. When any ailing person comes to you, you remember the right herbs and with all empathy treat him to wellness. When the chief of army comes for a strategy, you have the imagination for the right moves. And then when he leaves, he is fully charged; ready to fight. You have the right advice for the husband and the wife, when they come to you with problems of relationship. Your advice is like a soothing balm."

"You seem to have all the knowledge by heart, about almost everything. Not only that, you use it to arouse the right kind of emotions uniquely for everyone. Therefore, to my mind, if I have the intelligence, the power of memory and the right emotional balance, I would have understood life.”

His father smiled at him.

The son was however restless, for something inside him told him that his answer was yet incomplete.

The father again counseled him. "Meditate, my son, you yourself will receive your answer."

After a while he, came back and said, “Father, I think I have the answer. The people call you 'the wise man', because you have that 'wisdom'. Beyond information is wisdom. A person should have the wisdom to know the right from the wrong, the truth from the evil and the good from the bad. If I have the wisdom that you have, father, I think I would have understood life.

The father smiled at his son, understandingly.

But, Father, the son continued, “I am not satisfied. I know whatever I have said is not wrong, but at the same time, something within tells me I have more to learn, to understand life.”

“Then meditate even more intensely, son.”

He mediated more intensely and this time came back with a expression which was almost divine. You could almost see an aura around him.

With folded hands, in reverence, he stood in front of his father and said, “I have the answer now, Father. When I transcended my mind and dived deep within myself, I touched a divine spirit. A spark of divine consciousness aroused me. Oh, father it was a heavenly experience, but so difficult to explain. You would have to experience it yourself, to understand what I am saying. But, I knew for sure, that this is what I was seeking. This realisation was what I was aspiring for, all my life.”

“Life to me is the awakening to the inner reality of my being, realising a spirit which is divine."

Then, the father, with tears of affection in his eyes, embraced his son and said“, Yes son, this is life”.

If you have noticed, not once had the wise father disagreed with his son.

For he knew, Life was,
Not only about being physically comfortable
but also about having vitality.
Life was not only being intelligent,
having the power of memory
and having the right emotional balance,
but was also about having wisdom.
Lastly, life was not only seeking
the spark of divine consciousness within,
but also realising it.

Taking a cue from this story the philosophy of HR policies in organizations would be discussed in my next article:

HR Philosophy - A Perspective

“As long as the human animal is lord
And a dense nether screens the soul…
An incurable littleness pursues his days” *

Governments have gotten together trying formulating strategies; each with their very own political interest.

Financial Institutions are crashing like nine pins. Today, even if they have the funds, they are not lending money to corporations. There is lack of trust and faith in the business plans presented to them. The money market has just gone crazy! The domino effect is disastrous. Patients are avoiding hospitals. Drop-outs from schools are rising. The social service organizations are cash strapped.

Political parties have their own agenda, trying to focus on popular sentiments. The cacophony of the leaders’ speeches does not make sense to the man on the streets.

The common man is looking woefully in desperation to tide over these hard times. Each family has their own tale to tell. As pockets go empty and savings dwindle, the hearts bleeds as unemployment rises.

It was as if:
“An act was passed to chastise happiness;
Laughter and pleasure were banned as deadly sins:
…Death came but neither respite gave nor end;” *

Is this an economic crisis?
Or is this a case of governance in nescience?
Is this an issue of war?
Or, have we got our ideologies all mixed up?

Theories are being written, workshops conducted and debates held. The knives are out and the blame game is at its best. Wise words are heard:
“Innovate and install efficient processes.”
“Be more vigilant”.
“Let us put our heads together and think.”
“Let more heads be rolled”

These may be the right moves and one can only hope that things take a turn for the better.

Irrespective of the various efforts, at the heart of all this is ‘people’. Be it any organization: a government enterprise, a financial institute, a manufacturing unit an outsourced IT firm, a hospital or even an NGO, at the core is people. This is where the HR perspective comes and the role of HR becomes compelling as never before.

HR philosophy is to be based on the idea that every single employee is a ‘sacred being’, central to the prosperity of its business. If this were the philosophy, then the chief aim of Human Resources Development would be to inculcate holistically, the spirit of humanness in the organization and align it to the business objective.

Some might say that such statements are ‘politically’ right; it is like playing to the galleries. However they would add that these thoughts are utopian. Ultimately, the business of business is business and top lines and the bottom lines should be the objectives.

Let us agree for a while, that these arguments have substance. The revenues or the profits are like the air we breathe. Without breathing we would die. But, is the aim of our life, only breathing? It is with this perspective, it is reiterated that every employee is central to the prosperity or the success of the organization. At the same time, it is to be remembered, that the customers continue to be the king.

There has to be a grand balance between the employees and the customer; or let us say people and business.

To begin; let us first look within
And dream along the highway of stars.
The answers are bound to come,
So that we could walk the sunlit path.

The next few articles in this series would delve on the human aspect of the business which would be followed by ‘the focus on customers’ from an HR angle.
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*Sri Aurobindo, Savitri