Some companies can say, “we are like family” and get away with it. Some can’t; some are better off just saying “We are a meat grinder”.
Hey, at least they’re being honest…
Then again, our research shows that when people say that the main reason they enjoy their work is because of their relationship with their co-workers, it is usually because the business lacks deep connection to mission and purpose.
In other words, if you’re just here for the people, that’s nice, but sorry Houston, we still have a probelm.
Yes, it makes everyone feel better to say their co-workers are like family, especially if the work isn’t very interesting.
But what you really want to think about is: Does what we do actually matter? Am I and my co-workers actually aligned towards helping me excel and grow, are we collectvely meeting our goals and really mastering our work? Are we growing, not just as team members, but as human beings?
If all this is really happening, then yes, we really are a family.
