Giving is not a zero-sum game

WHEN was the last time you voluntarily lent a hand to a co-worker? If it is not something you do very often, it is time to start. In addition to generating goodwill between you and your colleague, there are a whole range of other advantages. The most important ones are the ability to protect yourself against emotional demands at work, and the nurturing of self-worth.

This news is especially relevant to those in the service sector, as it proves employees need not wait passively for their employers to protect their well-being. Instead, by engaging in voluntary and autonomous behaviours aimed at restoring the sense of self, such as helping co-workers, they can positively control their frame of mind.

At the organisational level, this will lead to improved customer satisfaction and business performance. In light of this, managers and leaders should strive to develop a culture of trust, support and respect - elements critical to fostering heedful relating that will result in staff cooperating and giving help to one another.