Title: Above The Clouds- A Guide To Trends Changing the Way We Work
Author: A project inspired by EFQM
Publisher: Greenleaf Publishing, Sheffield, 2006
ISBN No.: ISBN 1 874719942
Year of Publication: 2006
Website: http://www.greenleaf-publishing.com
Why review this publication? My logic was that sustainability and environmental management are directly related to the way people work, their behaviour patterns and the influences of their work which make them do what they do. If we ponder on the way we work, maybe we can work better with fewer negative or unsustainable impacts…..
The book came about after the results of a future studies project carried out by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). It consists of a series of chapters written by academics and top executives who reviewed the data gathered from “trendspotting” workshops carried out throughout Europe on “the world of work” and where it is moving to.
The chapters covered an eclectic range of topics which included :- the end of big ego leadership; shareholder democracy; outsourcing; global risk; workforce shrinkage and ageism; women at work; stress in the workplace; work and life crossover; customer rage and dissatisfaction; spirituality on the workplace; emotion and products; productivity on the IT age; and the business of not-for profits.
The chapters are sprinkled with quotes from the on-line survey that was undertaken. The insights in these quotes suggest that forums to air workplace views could generate a great deal of positive changes to the workplace and its influences beyond “the factory gates”. The section on stress in the workplace prompts the question, “How much damage (direct and indirect) is done because of stress in the workplace?” A perfunctory analysis of health, safety and environmental incident investigation results with stress in mind would generate, to my mind, some frightening results.
The book does not try and generate solutions, but rather seeks to raise awareness of the many facets of work and the workplace which, if properly considered and incorporated into output planning, could generate positive improvements in life and the environment we live in.
This book is ideal for the lateral thinker who is looking for stimulating ideas and trains of thought. It is probably of interest, in part to the HR Manager and, in part, to the SHEC Manager but only if they have open and receptive minds….
AJH
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