When we talk about work culture, one thing I appreciate greatly about CMCA is that it is a people-centred organisation. CMCA values its people, not only the staff but also its volunteers, students, and anybody the organisation comes in contact with. People and relationships are valued. The values we teach in schools–that people need to respect and empathise with each other–come out in our relationships at work. I would call it ‘democracy in action’ and everyone lives by these principles, including the management team. Most organisations have values like transparency or accountability, but I wonder if it translates into reality. At CMCA we have the “Voice of CMCA” survey and the Virtual Suggestion Box, through which we provide feedback. Everybody is given the chance to voice their opinions. Whether it’s implemented as a policy is a different thing, but at least you are given a chance to speak out.
I have often felt that CMCA is an organisation ahead of its time. Let me give you an example. During the pandemic, the whole world was forced to work from home. I have been with CMCA for about 9 years now and I have always worked from home. Like me, several other team members too have been doing the same. This was possible only because of the trust between the organisation and its employees. It has always been about judging people’s work by their productivity, rather than keeping a watchful eye on them or the number of hours punched in. It all comes down again to healthy relationships wherein trust begets trust: If you trust your employee, the employee will trust the organisation. I believe that it is only because of this trust and flexibility that we were able to come up with so many new programmes during the past year.
Another point about being ahead of its time. During the lockdown, most meetings and trainings went online. At CMCA, we have been conducting volunteer training programmes, review meetings, and capacity-building sessions online since 2014! In my experience, I have never heard of an NGO organising such meetings on a virtual platform on a pan-India level. Today it might be common, but for us, it was not something new.
One last thing which makes CMCA special to me. I get to work with people from all walks of life. We have colleagues from across the country, from rural and urban India, and with different educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. There is so much diversity and despite that, each one of us works together with such passion towards a common goal, each one of us brings our own experiences and differences to the table making life at work more beautiful.
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CMCA has been accredited by Credibility Alliance under the category “Desirability Norms” – for good governance, accountability, transparency and continuous improvements. Credibility Alliance is a consortium of voluntary organisations committed to enhancing accountability and transparency in the voluntary sector through good governance.
