Three questions for Hans Rusinek!
He earned his doctorate at the University of St. Gallen, where he continues to research changes in our working world.
Mr. Rusinek, you are committed to a better future of work. Let's say I find myself in a crisis with my job. What should I do?
First
of all, crises always have a positive side. They are often the impetus
for change. In your case, I would recommend an open conversation with
your supervisor. Conversation is our best “repair software.” Explain in
detail why you are frustrated and what you could do for the company.
Then give your boss at least three months to respond. He will do
something.
Such a conversation requires courage...
That's
true, but you have everything to gain. You spend about a third of your
time at work. That third should also be meaningful. Studies show that
people who find meaning in their jobs perform better, experience more
appreciation, and are also much more balanced and happier in their
private lives. There are interactions between these areas. The
often-described model—I go to work, spend my time there to earn money,
and live my real life in private—does not work. If we no longer feel
anything at work, then we feel the same way in our private lives. People
cannot split themselves in two. Courageous employees are extremely
valuable to companies.
Why?
In an experiment, students
were placed in a waiting room where smoke slowly filled the room. When
the test subjects were seated alone in the room in the first
arrangement, they quickly left to seek safety from what appeared to be a
house fire. In the second arrangement, groups of three were led into
the waiting room. Again, smoke filled the room, but this time it took
much longer for one of them to seek help. Everyone relies on each
other—and in the end, it may be too late before someone draws attention
to a problem. Therefore: Be brave and take the lead!