Changing Work Collective Manifesto
Our society is divided. A lot of the challenges come from and are reflected in the workplace.
As we grapple with loneliness, fear, and rancor, so many people fall back on primal, self-centered survival instincts rather than compassion. Competition, greed and zero sum game approaches pushed by so many businesses, and the people who work at them, prioritize short-term gains and personal glory. Workers burn out and quit. Many people are very unhappy at work or disconnected from the very place they spend a large percentage of their precious waking life.
We’re a collective of people who believe there’s a better way. Many of us once were caught in, or even perpetuated, these destructive cycles. We have now made it our mission to make the business world a kinder, more supportive place, while still being successful and yes, even profitable.
Changing Work means expanding the practice of what’s known as conscious business. Some of us do this as outside coaches and guides, others lead from within companies and organizations. We are united by the conviction that workplaces can, and must, reorient themselves toward the triple-bottom-line of people, planet, and profit.
Conscious business has several definitions, but they all revolve around working to make things better, not just make money. The part of conscious business that most concerns us is how people are treated, including:
Humane management practices that provide balance rather than maximizing labor extraction
Thoughtful planning that leads to sustainable growth and minimizes chaos
Vulnerable leadership and psychologically safe workplaces that encourage personal and professional growth through honesty and mutual support
Ethical standards for treating customers, employees, vendors, and the planet
We reject the notion that running a business consciously compromises the chances and degree of success. Quite the opposite is true. There’s a lot of research showing that this sort of company performs better overall.
The Changing Work Collective both supports and practices the work of conscious business.
We exist to foster fellowship, mutual support, growth opportunities, and a sense of being a part of something bigger, for the people trying to bring the same spirit to the workplace.
We envision a world in which businesses make decisions based on research and a sense of humanity and abundance, rather than fear-driven, zero-sum calculus. Where doing things any other way is seen as retrograde.
Where even shareholders demand that businesses act consciously — for the sake of both for their own conscience and the share price.
We know we won’t change work overnight or even entirely in our lifetimes, but we do know that wherever our message takes root, people will lead happier lives. We also know that we’ll go further together. So please join us.
Let’s change work from the inside out.
Scott, Nick & Aimee
Co-founders, Changing Work Collective
