No matter the size of the company, small business owners dream big. And we all benefit. They are the backbone of the Canadian economy. When they succeed, we all do. Their work inspires me all the time, which makes me proud to see so many companies trust and partner with HP to help power their workforces and allow them to do what they love every day.
Unquestionably, small business owners put everything into their companies – physically and emotionally – logging long hours and wearing many hats, all to ensure future success even when they are not ‘at work.’ But this dedication shouldn’t come at the expense of our health.
HP recently launched its first HP Work Relationship Index to better understand the relationship between people and their work. It revealed that only one in four Canadian knowledge workers have a healthy relationship with work, a signal of this pivotal moment-in-time to humanize the workplace.
The study found that people’s attitude towards work has changed, with employees prioritizing purpose and empowerment. They want leaders to lead with compassion with 69 per cent of Canadians saying it is important for leaders to demonstrate empathy.
Fostering a healthy workplace is not just the right thing to do for your employees – it’s also good for business. When their relationship with work isn’t how they want it to be, employees are more likely to feel disconnected from work and look for another job. Employees who feel seen and heard, and who gain a sense of purpose through their work, are more likely to stay and help build your company into what you dream it can be.
At HP Canada, we’re proud to partner with small businesses on the right technology and service solutions that help create the type of workplace Canadians require to thrive. One that’s flexible, innovative, secure, engaging and operating with impact. As leaders, I encourage you to be intentional in creating a healthy work environment for your teams. The time to act is now – growth fueled by happiness and health is most sustainable and ultimately a key driver to your success.
Mary Ann Yule
President and CEO, HP Canada
Mary Ann Yule is the President and CEO of HP Canada. With more than 20 years of experience, she is a trailblazer in innovative personal systems and printing technologies, including 3D printing, digital manufacturing, and related services and solutions. Since joining HP Canada in 2016, her proven track record of driving results continues to deliver breakthrough market outcomes across HP’s portfolio and credited with establishing HP as the most sustainable technology company in Canada as well as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers.
Mary Ann holds a Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA from the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, attended Ryerson University, and holds numerous professional accreditations, including Six Sigma Executive Champion. She is a highly sought-after speaker on positive disruption driven by technology megatrends like 3D printing, sustainable impact, diversity, and inclusion.
