When an organisation creates a compassionate culture, it sends out a powerful message: that people matter. It says that the organisation cares about more than just getting a job done or making a profit, it says that it cares about people.
- Prof. Deborah De Moortel, VUB
Core components of the Compassionate Workplace Programs
The key elements of the Compassionate Workplace Programs (CWPs) are the fundamental steps we take when creating any CWP. These steps are essential for adapting the program to meet the specific needs and situations of workplaces. Here they are:
0. Preparation
1. Identifying assets and needs
2. Collaboratively creating program outputs (with a facilitator and core development group)
3. Workshops for exchanging knowledge in a facilitated setting
4. Communities of practice or learning networks
5. A guide to provide inspiration
Key element 0: Preparation
Goal: Identifying employees and supervisor who should be part of the collaborative creation process from each organization.
We'll assemble a team of employees and supervisor from each organization (i.e., the core development group). We aim to include workers who represent the target groups (i.e. caregivers or individuals experiencing grief), as they're likely to give us useful thoughts and perspectives. We'll also pick workers based on their knowledge and skills (e.g., HR-managers) that can help with the collaborative creation process. This team should also be able to attend in-person meetings for the creation of Compassionate Workplace programmes.
Key element 1: Identifying assets and needs
Goal: Creating a Compassionate Workplace Program that fits the specific context and needs of the workers involved.
We're going to develop the Compassionate Workplace programmes by looking at the assets and needs of the situation. Instead of just focusing on problems, we'll take a positive approach, focusing on what promotes well-being and the resources that help. This means we'll use the strengths, resources, and abilities already present in each workplace to make positive changes.
Key element 2: Collaboratively creating program outputs (with a facilitator and core development group)
Goal: Developing the Compassionate Workplace within each organization involved.
We'll have an (external) facilitator on board to make sure we meet the needs of both employees and supervisors, HR, and others, and to help different types of workers communicate.
Each workplace will have an experienced facilitator assigned to help them create their own Compassionate Workplace program. There will be one facilitator per country (Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Greece). These facilitators will know how to boost participation, use co-creation methods, guide adaptation processes, and understand end-of-life topics. They'll have backgrounds in fields like occupational health or health promotion. The facilitators will get training and support throughout the CWP development process from internal partners and selected subcontractors.
Key element 3: Workshops to exchanging knowledge
Goal: To involve the entire workplace community and build momentum for change throughout the workplace.
The facilitator and the core development group will set up at least 2 workshops or events to share knowledge with everyone in the workplace (beyond the core development group). The facilitator will help decide on the best formats for these gatherings, drawing inspiration from the provided guide.
Key element 4: Communities of practice or learning networks
Goal: bring the participating workplaces together and share knowledge beyond them.
EU-CoWork will create a learning network connecting all the countries involved in developing Compassionate Workplace programmes (Belgium, Greece, Austria, and Sweden). All core development groups from these workplaces are invited to join and share their experiences, knowledge, and ideas. The network will aim to meet every 6 months. All workplaces involved in EU-CoWork are welcome to participate.
Key element 5: A guide to provide inspiration
Goal: Provide a source of inspiration for workplaces looking to develop compassionate workplace activities, with facilitators available for support.
We'll create a collection of existing resources from various settings to inspire workplaces with ideas for different activities. This compilation will help workplaces decide on their own activities. Facilitators will be there to offer support in using these resources effectively.