Why Do We Keep Referring to Businesses as Family?

The term “family” is a near and dear one to me. When I hear it, I automatically think of my husband and two boys and a set of feelings emerge: warmth, safety, comfort, joy, and big love.

I know that the term doesn’t evoke the same thing for everyone, but the association should be similar, right? At the least, I would hope, descriptors would include: forever, support, unconditional, and more.

But the term is often bandied about as a way to describe the relationship between employees and their organization. That’s where I have to issue a hard no.

I realize that it’s use is to be comforting and inclusive, but it can also be misleading and potentially harmful. In my blog, and video, I share my thoughts about pivoting away from this usage, and how this perspective can lead to a healthier and more productive work environment.

The Misconception of the “Family” Metaphor

Many company leaders and managers strive to create a familial atmosphere within their organizations. They believe that by fostering a sense of belonging and unity, they can motivate their employees to work towards a common goal. Work harder, work together, make more money.

However, referring to a company as a “family” can be a disservice to the employees, setting up false expectations such as complete loyalty and total subservience.

In a family, ideally, members are accepted for who they are, regardless of their flaws or disagreements. This unconditional acceptance is not something that exists in a business context. Of course we need inclusivity, we need people providing their opinions and being heard, we need a general understanding of each other, and to simply not be jerks. But that is just a part of being part of society.

In a company, though, performance matters, and employees can be terminated based on not meeting those standards.

Embracing the “Community” Metaphor

A more accurate metaphor for a business would be a “community.” A community is a group of individuals who share common interests and goals.  In a business context, this translates to a group of employees working together to achieve the company’s objectives.

In a community, members contribute, co-create, and connect. They are part of a paid community where both the company and the employee are getting something mutually beneficial out of it. The employee is compensated for their work, and the company benefits from the employee’s contributions.

The Importance of Inclusivity and Collaboration

Inclusivity and collaboration are key elements of a successful community. An inclusive work environment respects and values the individual contributions of all employees. It ensures that everyone feels welcome and is treated with respect.

Collaboration, on the other hand, fosters a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. It encourages employees to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other.

While the intention behind referring to a company as a “family” may be well-meaning, it can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential misunderstandings. By viewing a company as a “community,” we can foster a more realistic and healthy understanding of the workplace. This perspective encourages inclusivity, collaboration, and mutual respect, leading to a more productive and positive work environment. Let’s start eliminating “family” from our business lexicon and embrace the concept of the “business community.”