Imagine waking up and finding yourself in a vast ocean, no land in sight, nor directional cues. This sensation is familiar, isn’t it? It’s how we feel when we’re anxious. 

Anxiety often arises at work when tasks and challenges seem insurmountable, surpassing our perceived capabilities. While it’s normal and healthy to be consistently and continually challenged by obstacles that test and stretch our skills and endurance, it becomes overwhelming when the challenges loom as vast as the ocean. On top of that, without cues or direction, it’s natural to panic and doubt whether we can navigate through uncharted waters. 

Just as sailors once depended on the stars to find their way, we too require a guiding light to navigate our professional journeys. This guiding light is found within Zoala’s value of “Share more, worry less”, a beacon of transparency and communication that ensures we never have to navigate these challenges alone.” 

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The Weight of Unshared Burdens

Without a channel for open communication, the weight of unshared burdens can become stifling. Negative feelings fester when employees don’t have a safe space to express their worries, frustrations, and stressors to colleagues and managers. Statistics reveal that a lack of communication and transparency can lead to increased job dissatisfaction, reduced morale, and a decline in overall employee well-being.

These sentiments create a breeding ground for disengagement and a breakdown of unity within the workplace. To overcome this, companies must find suitable ways to ensure seamless communication between leadership and every member of the team.

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Zoala’s initiatives

1:1 Meetups

Zoala leaders are the lighthouses providing guidance and direction to their teams. To enforce this, our leaders schedule one-on-one meetings with their team members on a calendar shared with the entire company. This practice ensures accountability while also guaranteeing that each team member receives focused attention. It’s not just about discussing tasks and duties, but about understanding strengths, identifying challenges, defining career paths, and aligning aspirations with company goals. Managers view individual vulnerabilities and struggles as challenges that the team can overcome together, and this perspective transforms weaknesses into opportunities for growth.

Empowering Employee Voices

We believe that every individual’s voice should be heard. By inviting feedback and perspectives from our team, we ensure that everyone has a say in company decisions. This practice empowers employees, fosters a sense of ownership, and strengthens the fabric of our company. When employees feel valued and included, they are more likely to contribute actively and passionately, ensuring that their talents are fully utilised.

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Celebrating Success Together

At Zoala, we celebrate success as a united front. Recognition and appreciation are not held back when our teams achieve milestones. Compliments and expressions of gratitude flow freely, nourishing the spirit of collaboration and motivation. Sharing celebrations uplifts the entire team, creating a positive atmosphere that encourages everyone to strive for excellence.

Sharing Wisdom and Experiences

Our team is a mosaic of diverse ages and experiences, each contributing a unique hue to our collective canvas. In moments of uncertainty or unfamiliarity, the beauty of a diverse team comes to light. Challenges that seem insurmountable become manageable when we share our experiences and wisdom. The insights of colleagues who have navigated similar waters can offer invaluable guidance and advice. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we enable and propel each other to grow and thrive.

In conclusion, “Share more, worry less” is a guiding light in Zoala that nurtures a culture of trust, transparency, and unity. The analogy of anxiety as an overwhelming ocean reminds us that by openly sharing our concerns and challenges, we can navigate even the most tumultuous waters, and build a stronger, more resilient community at Zoala.