As Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 21st U.S. Surgeon General, concludes his term, he leaves behind his Parting Prescription for America, and indeed the world, for its health and wellbeing.
His message is simple yet profound: prioritise relationships, service, and purpose as essential pillars of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
My take on this is that these principles, while vital for personal wellbeing, are equally critical for organisations striving to create a thriving workplace culture.
For leaders navigating the complexities of today’s workforce, where employee burnout, disengagement, and mental health challenges are on the rise, adopting this approach could be transformational. By embedding connection, service, and purpose into workplace practices, leaders can foster environments where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best.
1. The power of relationships in the workplace
Dr. Murthy emphasises the significance of strong relationships in combating loneliness, stress, and mental health struggles. In the workplace, where employees spend a significant portion of their lives, fostering meaningful connections is vital.
Building a culture of belonging
Leaders have a responsibility to cultivate a sense of belonging within their teams. This can be achieved by:
- Encouraging open communication: Create spaces where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, challenges, and ideas without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins, town halls, and anonymous feedback channels can help build trust and openness.
- Promoting team collaboration: Break down silos and encourage cross-departmental collaboration. Working together towards shared goals strengthens interpersonal bonds and creates a sense of unity.
- Celebrating individuality: Recognise and celebrate the diverse strengths, perspectives, and backgrounds of your team members. When employees feel seen and appreciated for who they are, they are more likely to form authentic connections with colleagues.
Practical steps for leaders
- Lead by example: Show vulnerability and empathy in your interactions. Share your own challenges and experiences to normalise open dialogue.
- Mentorship programmes: Pair employees with mentors who can guide them professionally and personally, fostering long-term relationships within the organisation.
- Host team-building activities: Organise regular events that allow employees to connect in non-work settings, such as volunteering days or informal social gatherings.
2. Embedding service into organisational culture
Dr. Murthy highlights service as a core component of wellbeing. Service fosters a sense of purpose and connection, reminding us of our interdependence. For organisations, embedding service into the workplace can create a ripple effect of positivity.
Cultivating a culture of giving
Leaders can inspire service by integrating it into the company’s mission and daily operations. Some strategies to consider might include:
- Employee volunteer programmes: Offering paid time off for employees to participate in community service or charitable initiatives. Group volunteering opportunities can also strengthen team bonds while contributing to a greater cause.
- Recognition of service-oriented behaviour: Celebrating employees who go above and beyond to help others – whether within the team or in the community. Acknowledging acts of kindness reinforces the importance of service in the workplace.
- Aligning organisational values with social impact: Partnering with nonprofits or causes that resonate with your company’s mission. When employees see their work contributing to a greater good, it enhances their sense of purpose.
Practical steps for leaders
- Start small: Encourage employees to engage in random acts of kindness, such as helping a colleague with a project or sharing resources.
- Incorporate service into onboarding: Introduce new employees to the company’s service initiatives during onboarding to instil a sense of purpose from the outset.
- Measure impact: Share the tangible outcomes of your organisation’s service efforts. For example, if your team raised funds for a cause, communicate how those funds made a difference.
3. Fostering purpose in the workplace
A sense of purpose is a key driver of employee satisfaction and engagement. Dr. Murthy underscores the importance of aligning one’s life with meaningful work. For leaders, this means helping employees connect their roles to the organisation’s broader mission.
Making work meaningful
When employees see how their work contributes to a greater purpose, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. Leaders can help by:
- Communicating vision and impact: Regularly share stories of how the organisation’s work positively impacts customers, communities, or industries. This reinforces the importance of every employee’s contribution.
- Empowering growth and development: Provide opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. When employees feel their work aligns with their personal and professional goals, they are more likely to find purpose.
- Encouraging autonomy: Allow employees to take ownership of their projects and innovate. Autonomy fosters a sense of responsibility and personal investment in the organisation’s success.
Practical steps for leaders
- Host vision workshops: Bring employees together to discuss the company’s mission and values and how their roles contribute to achieving those goals.
- Celebrate milestones: Highlight team and individual achievements that align with the organisation’s mission.
- Invest in career development: Offer training, coaching, and mentorship programmes that align with employees’ aspirations.
Leadership in Action: Transforming workplace wellbeing
Dr. Murthy’s call to action for a more connected, service-oriented, and purpose-driven society is not just a personal prescription – it’s a leadership mandate. For organisations, these principles can serve as the foundation for a thriving workplace culture.
For leaders, the message is clear: invest in the human aspects of work.
Why it matters
The reasons are manifold. Just a few of the benefits to an organisation and its people include:
- Improved mental health: Strong relationships, meaningful work, and service-oriented activities contribute to reduced stress and increased wellbeing.
- Enhanced retention: Employees who feel connected, valued, and purposeful are more likely to stay with their organisations.
- Increased productivity: Engaged employees bring energy and creativity to their work, driving better results for the organisation.
The Role of Leaders
Leaders set the tone for workplace culture. By prioritising relationships, service, and purpose, leaders can create environments where employees feel inspired to do their best work.
Dr. Murthy’s parting words are a reminder that wellbeing is not a luxury but a necessity. For leaders, the message is clear: invest in the human aspects of work. Foster genuine connections, encourage service, and align work with purpose. In doing so, you’ll not only improve workplace wellbeing but also unlock the full potential of your team.
As we move into 2025, let’s commit to leading with empathy, generosity, and intentionality. The rewards – both for individuals and organisations – are boundless.