Building Commitment and Joy in the Modern Workplace

Commitment and Joy at Work

The modern work environment is in many ways more demanding than what we were accustomed to in past decades. The sheer volume of information to be absorbed and the need to form an understanding of larger, more complex systemic entities have significantly increased. Digital solutions, such as AI-based language models, have helped streamline work processes, but they have also shortened the time employees have to process and understand broader contexts.

Traditional Management Models No Longer Suffice

When we examine today’s work environment through the lens of organizational theory, it becomes clear that traditional management models rooted in scientific principles are no longer effective. Although Taylorism was originally designed to increase work efficiency, it’s now viewed somewhat like medieval bloodletting - many of its implementations feel outdated and impractical. Fortunately, the majority of management challenges have been addressed at least in theory. Today, the focus in organizational theories are on network and catalytic conversation theories which emphasize organizational communication culture and the complex, unpredictable decisions made through collaboration. Research shows that these approaches can motivate high-performing individuals and foster deeper engagement with their work.

But how do we translate these theories into real-world practice and boost commitment in workplaces facing modern challenges? How do we bring joy back in work?

The Importance of Trust and Commitment in Networks

In his book "Managing in Networks: Learning, Working and Leading Together," Timo Järvensivu presents a comprehensive and fascinating idea about critical success factors for networks: KNOWING, TRUST, and COMMITMENT. The  idea is simple: if network members don’t know each other well enough, they can't build the trust necessary for deep collaboration. As a result, participants are less inclined to commit to the network’s goals and shared objectives.

Applying Network Thinking to the Workplace

The idea of success factors for networks can also be applied to workplaces. When implementing this idea in organizations, it’s important to remember that in a networked organization, all parties — employees, owners, managers, leaders, support organizations, etc. — are active participants. Organizations should do everything in their power to ensure that the work environment feels safe and trustworthy and that all members of the organization know and trust each other. This creates the conditions for commitment and has positively impacted both work results and the overall workplace atmosphere.

How NorthCode Strengthens Commitment and Joy at Work

At NorthCode, we have even enhanced the sense of dedication through a company model rooted in principles of fairness, where every expert is also an owner. This approach has not only increased commitment but also brought joy and purpose to everyday work. When our experts feel their work is meaningful and can see tangible results, they can genuinely enjoy their work. This joy and passion are reflected in the high-quality services we provide to our customers, driven by the experience and commitment of our highly skilled professionals.