Another Kind of Love
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Everyone has heard this verse before. Probably at a wedding, exchanged between a young couple, obviously in love. It’s an appropriate verse, and a great reminder for two people about to spend the rest of their lives together. But, have you ever considered applying it to other aspects of life, not just to your significant other? What about with your kids? Your friends? How about your coworkers? When was the last time you thought about loving your coworkers? I don’t mean “Jill is so funny, I just love her!” I’m talking about real love, love that says “I’m worried about Jill, that joke she made earlier is a little out of character. I should take her out for coffee to see how she’s doing.”
I see my coworkers more than I see my family, and I’m not the only one. Globoforce’s Fall 2014 Workforce Mood Tracker Survey found that people who work 30-50hrs a week spend nearly 50% more of their time with coworkers than with their families. It’s sad that we must spend so much time away from our families, but it’s also an opportunity to truly know the people you work with. Globoforce’s survey also found that 95% of their participants made friends through work. Some of my closest friends have been made through work. These are people I know well and care for deeply, but it is also in my nature to care for others. I know this doesn’t come easy for many, but it can all start with mindfulness. Taking note of when a typically punctual teammate is now late, or someone who is generally nice to everyone is now curt and short tempered when they speak. Subtle changes in their behavior could mean they could use some love, and who better to do that than someone they see for most of their waking hours?
Many of my teammates work late, and on my way out I stop by to ask them if they need anything before I go. It takes two seconds to poke your head into someone’s office and ask them if they’d like to go out for coffee or lunch. You may not be close friends, or hardly even acquaintances, but a listening ear could be exactly what they need. Who knows, you could end up the best of friends. So, I encourage you this Valentine’s Day (and after!) to take a look around your office and see which of your coworkers could use some love.
About the Author
Michelle Genova is Morrison’s Business and Marketing Coordinator. To get in touch with Michelle, please find contact information for Morrison here.