Reframing the workplace: Employees as suppliers.
I meet so many amazing business owners in my line of work, and a huge chunk of them tell me that they “don’t know where to start” when it comes to the people stuff. Similarly, I meet hundreds of mega talented team members, who often need support and advice in getting the right recognition, reward, and finding a sense of purpose in their work.
We tend to (anecdotally) approach good business and good employment with different hats on. But why? Picture this: a universe where each employee stands as a dynamic mini business, bringing their unique 'product' to the company's bustling marketplace.
In my imaginary world, employees are mini businesses, showcase their skills, their creativity, their sheer brilliance in the form of a product. But this isn't your typical product, it's the work they pour their hearts into, and with a lot fewer accounting headaches that come with owning a business (AMIRIGHT?!). And employers, they’re the clients, only too keen to buy these excellent wares. After all, they've sought out these businesses for their unique blend of talents and skills. Friends, the market is open for trading!
But this is more than just a new perspective for employers, it's a powerful framework that can be used to empower all of us to find ownership and pride in our work. It’s about acknowledging the value of our product, knowing its worth, and bringing that sense of ownership into everything we do.
The 4 elements (not those ones, though)
Good business relies heavily on 4 elements coming together: Product, Supply, Market, Profit. Before I go running off with a load of analogies and waffle (another one of my often preferred options), I’ll summarise the key principles…
Product
The 'product' is the work we produce. This relates to the quality of output and value we bring to our company and teammates. This isn’t just about quality delivery though, it’s a two-way street. Yes, agency folks, it’s attack the brief time! The client (employer) has a key role in defining what they need and what is expected from the 'product'.
This looks like clear communication, setting realistic objectives, and providing useful feedback. It also means creating space for people to ask questions and get clarity, promoting a more transparent and efficient work environment.
Supply
The supply element is all about energy resources, it could relate to employee wellbeing, work-life balance, and other factors that we need to maintain our health, happiness, resilience and ultimately energy for work. We need to recognise that, as mere humans, we can only be as productive as our overall wellbeing allows us to be.
Market
Having optimum operating conditions for trade and product development. The resources, working environment, and tools that someone needs to do their job effectively. Get the conditions just right, and you could increase productivity, minimise blockers, and fuel innovation.
Profit
Profit represents what we get in return for our work. This could be salary, benefits, professional development opportunities, and other perks. An employee might be more productive when they feel they are being fairly compensated and receiving valuable benefits and opportunities. We’re all more motivated when we’re making a healthy emotional (and financial) profit.
A very wise Antony Mayfield once told me that ‘revenue is vanity, profit is sanity’ and it really stuck. So, if you feel you’re not making enough profit for your product, something’s wrong. For business owners, this isn’t always about salary - but flexibility, autonomy, culture, and genuinely investing in people’s development.
I like it… but now what?
This is a world of exciting partnerships. It's about truly valuing the range of skills, experiences, and perspectives that each unique business (talented team member) contributes to the grand marketplace, your company.
Let's take a moment to think about our entrepreneurial business owners. The one's who say they're 'not so good at the people stuff' ... could that be you? But what if we gave that age-old insecurity a businessy twist? Instead of seeing it as an uphill battle, why not reframe it as a chance to form and foster exciting new business relationships?
Theory to reality
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) might not sound like your usual HR tool, but in our new world, they fit right in. Think of these as the bedrock of expectations and feedback, guiding the relationship between 'business' and 'client'. They're the policies, the routines, the checks and balances that keep our marketplace bustling.
In fact, here are some more ideas on how to use this theory to your advantage today…
For business owners:
Set Clear Briefs: Set SMART objectives aligned with your team’s roles and goals. Be clear about what you need and expect from everyone.
Invest in Resources: Provide your suppliers with the tools and resources they need to deliver a quality product
Understand Value: Remember to show appreciation for the uniqueness each person brings to your 'marketplace'. Recognise their efforts and demonstrate that you understand their value
Establish Clear SLAs: Use a solid framework to outline expectations, processes and standards. Include mechanisms for feedback and performance reviews
Foster Open Communication: Encourage dialogue and questions, and make space for people to share ideas, and suggest improvements
For team members:
Take Ownership of Your Product: Your work is your product. Take pride in it and strive to continuously improve its quality
Understand Your Worth: Recognise the value you bring to the marketplace. This includes not just your output, but your skills, creativity, and dedication
Communicate with Your Client: If something is unclear, ask. If you see room for improvement, speak up. Open communication helps you deliver a better product
Meet Your SLAs: Strengthen confidence and client loyalty by delivering on your commitments
Seek Fair Compensation: Your revenue should reflect the value of your product. This includes not just salary, but benefits, work-life balance, and opportunities for personal development
This is a call to arms for a whole new approach to how we frame our working lives and relationships. An approach that harnesses the thrill of running a business and the satisfaction of a product well-crafted. An approach that brings respect, understanding, and empowerment to the forefront. It might just change the way we think about work, and hey, that's an idea worth getting excited about!
I’d really love to hear your thoughts and keep building on this, so if you fancy a natter about the world of work, or just want to chat through some HR stuff - get in touch at hello@thepodhr.com!
