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 As the end of the year nears, we have noticed a trend of increased pressure in our workplaces. I wonder if your experiences are similar. There once was a time when the emergence of break-up parties in early December signalled a reduction in expectations of output. These days, we have simply added attendance at parties to the long list of commitments that need to be finalised before the end of the year. This is what is officially called "work intensification". Something else that is intensified at this time is, of course, our collective anticipation of the Christmas-New Year period, with all of the associated anxiety around getting families and friends together and selecting the right presents that might hit the mark without hitting our debt ceiling. The constant pressure can take its toll on our emotional resources. So let's pause for a moment, and put it all in its proper perspective so that we can actually enjoy the get-togethers, regain our balance and be well this festive season. Work can be such a great source of meaning and positive growth in our sense of identity and in all sorts of personal and professional skills. To think of work in this way gives it a whole new perspective, doesn't it? To create things or ideas or provide service to others, be it to internal or external customers, can be a source of great satisfaction. But it's easy to miss it, if we're too busy to reflect on it. Another source of either great satisfaction or anxiety, depending on our perspective, is our relationships – both at work and in our personal lives. If we take a long-term perspective of who we really are and who the important people in our lives are, the value of other things in comparison to our relationships with people gets adjusted to their true investment. Even at the national level, there is a recurring debate about what measures other than the GDP accurately reflect the wellbeing of our nation. Social and environmental costs are talked about but often forgotten, as the economic indicators are easier to obtain and explain. A recent initiative by the ABS hopes to transition global thinking from measuring production to measuring well-being through a series of reports on our true progress as a nation. I have spoken to many leaders this year who expressed a profound reflection: We have achieved a good result, but at what cost to our people? All too often, the people side of the bottom line is not considered as change is being progressed, programs cut, costs cut, and restructures planned. Many leaders personally acknowledge that some adjustment in our thinking is needed, and not just because of compliance pressures or the Occupy Melbourne style protests, but because they have a deep sense of responsibility for the health and wellbeing of the people they lead. In the past year we have actively partnered with organisations who seek to achieve a balance between great outcomes and positive relationships in the workplace. Reflecting on the lessons learnt we found that those more able to adopt a true life perspective were more likely to get this balance right, and enjoy a sense that their work has a positive impact on themselves and the community. Thank you to so many of you for the privilege of forging new relationships and deepening long-standing ones in this rewarding work of creating positive workplaces. My wish for you is that you will be able to enjoy a time of reflection during this festive season, and some laughter too – easily one of the most pleasant ways to boost your positive emotions and see life from its proper perspective.
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