Salesforce: My Ohana, Your Ohana
I begun the Salesforce ITC chapter of my career almost a year ago.
And oh what a ride it has been! #bestdecisionever
Salesforce regularly is pitted against the best in the World as a ‘Top Place to Work’. It is easy to see why.
But far beyond the obvious, I need to talk about the Ohana and its impact on my life.
Ideally, I would like this blog to go viral. Not for publicity. But more for the offer at the end. And hopefully instilling more of a people focus culture, globally
A number of weeks ago, my family was struck with the tragedy of us losing our eldest and most respected member, my Grandma.
We were incredibly close. She was our core. I wrote a blog post on this.
What I found remarkable was the reaction by those close and distant within the Salesforce Ohana and my personal network.
Naturally, in these times of tragedy, time is offered to recover. The response from my teams was indefinite support… “take as long as you need, we are here for you”.
Supportive and encouraging messages from those who have experienced similar pain… “respect the emotions as they are filled with love for your Gran“.
Salesforce values the health and wellbeing of its employees. Physical and mental. This ethos is part of the lifeblood of the organisation.
I recall a senior Salesforce leader some time ago, possibly even Marc himself, indicated with proudness that spending time and money to look after employees and their families is like an investment with immediate returns.
Personally, in this last week or so I had ZERO expectations set upon me. What I loved the most, this bled through into my clients too.
I felt by taking time out I would be letting them down. My first client call, the same day of her passing when I *thought* I was OK, was greeted with empathy. Every call asking how I was and taking a few minutes out to talk. Many suggesting to cancel it.
Salesforce presents employees with opportunities to make a difference
Social Innovation is the in thing amongst upcoming talent. Not just them too. Employees of all experience-levels in most cases want to and actively do give back.
Salesforce provides the platform, through the Salesforce Foundation to make a difference on a mass scale. Based a 1:1:1 model (1% Time, 1% Profit, 1% Product), employees are able to work on Pro Bono efforts, receive donation matches, use work-time to volunteer and more.
The outcome is generally astounding. Many far exceed the target hours of 56 per year. Last year, our top ten volunteers achieved a total of over 3,000 hours!
The Salesforce Ohana shines through to Clients and Partners
The remarkable part of this type of combined approach to employee wellness and wellbeing, business and customer-side, brings a higher level bond.
A week after our loss, I found myself motivated more than ever to deliver for my teams. I want to give more than my best. I wanted to help others more too.
I know when I next travel to client site, the team will be there with open arms and be even more of a supporting figure than the virtual team they previously were.
So where do I go from here?
I recognise the massive help that my Ohana has been for me in my time of need.
I MUST return this experience.
In my previous blog, I offered support to anyone who is suffering from the loss of a loved one. A conversation. Emails. Where possible a drink.
Drop me a message and I would be happy to be someone to talk to.
I am also looking to arrange a place running the London Marathon for a charity close to mine and my Gran’s heart. I would welcome your support
