At work, as in quake zone, sense of community vital

The former Kaiapoi Railway Station which has sunk to a 40 degree lean as a result of the earthquake. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Great workplaces and great communities have a lot in common.

There's a truism that goes "it's not what happens to you that matters, it's how you respond that really counts".

Christchurch's response to the recent earthquake is a great example.

We have seen strong, decisive and compassionate leadership from Mayor Bob Parker and Prime Minister John Key, as well as from a host of government agencies, private-sector organisations and community groups.

There has also been a tremendous sense of community in Christchurch.

Just look at the way individuals, families, businesses and organisations have all put aside their differences to work together "for the good of all". A humbling example of how a common purpose can galvanise human beings.

So what can organisations learn from a city that has rallied so positively in response to a civil disaster?

Jenn Edwards, a senior consultant with JRA, says that after 17 years of running workplace and employee engagement surveys it's very clear one of the "pillars" on which great workplaces are built is community.

"Top-performing organisations have a great sense of community about them and this camaraderie is most prevalent when we hit tough times," she says.

"As we move out of the recession, there are strong signs that organisations that have a sense of community in the workplace have more motivated, productive and engaged employees who go the extra mile for their colleagues and their employer."

And it's clear there are countless selfless, motivated and productive Cantabrians who right now are doing their bit for their community too.

Edwards also says there are strong similarities between an engaged workforce and engaged citizens.

"Having a personal sense of belonging, a job that provides a sense of personal achievement and confidence in the organisation's leadership are all key drivers of employee engagement."

She says we see strong evidence of these "drivers" in how people are responding in Christchurch.

As Parker said last week: "This is about compassion and helping and trust, and working together ... it's all the stuff that we like to talk about, but here it is really happening."

The 2010 JRA Best Workplaces Survey, in association with the New Zealand Herald and sponsored by the Department of Labour, Haines Attract, the NZ Chambers of Commerce and KiwiBank, ran from June 1 to August 31.

On the web www.bestworkplaces.co.nz