Such a gift to read Why Are We Here? – Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants.

This is the second book I have read by Jennifer Moss and like The Burnout Epidemic, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Yes, there are challenges within our world of work.

It is by looking at these challenges, with different eyes we find new ways forward.

This is a must read book for 2025.

Our world of work is truly struggling.

Why Are We Here lays out a beautiful roadmap, that is brilliantly researched, identifying the pieces that are not working, asking new questions, sharing great examples of what has worked and wonderful insights for new ways forward.

Many of these topics I am very passionate about.

In many ways I felt like I was enjoying time with a friend, where they shared their great research and together, talked about our vision for a new world of work where everyone thrives.

The new pathway, as Jennifer Moss has shared is rebuilding hope, community, compassion, freedom, openness, belonging and recognition. Intertwined with a theme of flexibility, where work creates fuel not depletes us.

Knowing first hand from my own experience, when we have hope, purpose and community, we are not isolated and alone and do find new ways forward.

Creating purpose in our work, and coming together in community, is where the magic happens as this is infused in how we collaborate, do great work and also give back.

Loved how Jennifer talked about doing research in local book stores and libraries.  This is part of creating community and belonging.

When we develop relationships in community, and share our stories, we learn more about each other and connect in beautiful ways, learning we are not alone.  As I do with all my books, I ordered this from our local bookstore The Mulberry Bush Bookstore.  A true joy to connect with Christina and Warren when I picked up “What Are We Here?”

I really liked how Jennifer Moss addressed the biases around ageism.

There are so many gifts and opportunities to learn from others.

It is key we look at how we are fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth for everyone, no matter their age.

In Why Are We Here, Jennifer Moss also talks about addressing Bullying.

She shares insights from Amy Cuddy’s new book “Bullies, Bystanders, and Bravehearts”.  Amy Cuddy highlights that “social bravery” is how we can end bullying and shares

“People consciously and mindfully choose to enact these socially brave behaviors regardless of the personal risk because these behaviors reflect their core values”.

I do believe

To create an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives it is paramount each of us speak up and move well beyond maintaining the status quo, and stop allowing cultures of incivility and bullying to continue.

Sharing a few of the thoughts I loved from Why Are We Here.

This is only a small sampling which I hope will invite you to order a copy of Why Are We Here from your local bookstore and spend time with this beautiful book.

Hope:

“Encourage a growth mind by promoting a culture where challenges are viewed as opportunities to learn and grow leaders can model hopeful Behavior by demonstrating optimism resilience and a proactive approach to problem solving.”

Purpose:

 

“Research suggests that taking time to acknowledge and celebrate achievements is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, promoting self-care and sustaining motivation.”

Community:

In this section I really like how Jennifer Moss shared the interconnection for community that shows a strong connection with living longer, reduced levels of stress, and improved recovery from illness.

“A business case can be made for building a relational energy strategy especially if we want to foster a culture of community”

Along with addressing the stress from always being connected.

“By addressing technostress, organizations can enhance collaboration and support a work environment where employees feel values and connected, rather than overwhelmed by technology.”

Compassion:

“To better equip employees and their organizations for the future leaders need to make technology a part of their culture. Technology is embedded into almost everything we do. People should be encouraged to explore and trial new Innovations”

Freedom:

One of the conversations highlighted is with Adam Grant and how we are having a narrow focus on flexibility around where we are working.  We need to look beyond this.

Loved this piece

“Freedom At Work allows employees to tailor their work environments and schedules to better fit their personal needs enhancing job satisfaction and overall well-being.”

In this chapter Jennifer Moss, brings in her work from The Burnout Epidemic.  There are direct connections to increased rates of burnout due to the lack of autonomy.

Openness:

Belonging:

This is a very rich chapter and one like many of the other chapters that truly struck a chord with me.

“Just like we can’t cure burnout with more yoga or a hot bath, we can’t solve systemic discrimination and lack of inclusion with quotas and one-day trainings.  There is a better solution, and it starts with an upstream strategy rooted in belonging.”

I like how Jennifer Moss spoke to Caregiving versus “Carewashing”.  Along with addressing Ageism, Bullying, Diversity, Equipment, Inclusion and Accessibility. This also struck a chord with me, as someone who is managing an disability that is not visible unless you know me well. How are we supporting people with disabilities?  We never know what someone is managing.

Jennifer Moss highlights a conversation with Fiona Ermark, a corporate disability empowerment advisor, where she shared

“Organizations need to do a better job of recognizing that disability in the workplace may not look like someone that has a guide dog or a wheelchair.”

Recognition

In this chapter there is a continued theme of flexibility for all.  Alexi Robichaux, CEO of BetterUp, shares

“Butts in seats can’t be our leading indicator of productivity anymore”

I highly recommend Why Are We Here?

Similar to The Burnout Epidemic, this is a book that I will leave on top of my bookcase, as I know I will be returning to revisit many of the pages I have marked and recommending it to others.

Loved one of the closing thoughts in the conclusion:

Jennifer Moss, thank you for this wonderful book.

A few excellent partner reads would be:

The Heart Centered Leadership Playbook, by Deborah Crowe

Smart Growth, by Whitney Johnson

Staff Matters, by Bonnie Low-Kramen

The Purpose Effect, by Dan Pontefract

In our ever changing landscape remember to:

Be kind

Be patient

Be nourished in all you do

Photography featured is through out BC and in Mexico, taken by Sharon K. Summerfield.

At The Nourished Executive we help leaders invest in their wellbeing, with a holistic lens, to prevent burnout.

Our founder, Sharon K. Summerfield, is a Wellbeing Coach, Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Growth Advisor, with demonstrated success in nurturing healthy employees and high performing organizations.

Our vision is to create cultures and communities of care, where no one experiences burnout.

We have a strong commitment to giving back, investing and supporting local community.

Photography by Sharon K. Summerfield