Beloved Economies

About the Authors

Jess Rimington and Joanna Levitt Cea are pioneers in transforming workplace cultures and advocating for beloved economies. Jess Rimington is known for her extensive work in social innovation and community development. She has collaborated with various organizations to foster inclusive and sustainable practices. Joanna Levitt Cea has a background in human rights advocacy and has been instrumental in advancing economic justice through her work with diverse communities.

Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision of creating work environments that prioritize well-being, connection, and resilience. Their book, Beloved Economies: Transforming How We Work, encapsulates their collective insights and research, offering a blueprint for a new way of working.

Main Idea

In Beloved Economies: Transforming How We Work, Rimington and Levitt Cea explore the potential for transforming our work environments by adopting practices that prioritize well-being, meaning, connection, and resilience. The book introduces seven specific practices that can serve as a springboard for creating beloved economies, where success is measured not only by financial metrics but also by the quality of life and work experiences. Through extensive research and collaboration with over sixty enterprises, the authors present a compelling case for reimagining how we work to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Work Isn’t Working
3. Reclaiming Our Rights to Design
4. The Seven Practices
5. Share Decision-Making Power
6. Prioritize Relationships
7. Reckon with History
8. Seek Difference
9. Source from Multiple Ways of Knowing
10. Trust There is Time
11. Prototype Early and Often
12. They May Try to Stop You
13. Practicing Beloved Economies
14. Reorienting Work Toward Life
15. Conclusion

Analyzing and Explaining Each Idea and Sub-Content

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the book by emphasizing the need for a radical shift in how we work. Rimington and Levitt Cea outline their journey of research and collaboration with various organizations that are already breaking away from traditional business practices. They argue that by embracing power-sharing and innovative practices, we can create economies that benefit everyone.

"This book is for anyone looking—or longing—for ways to pull open the escape hatch and guide themselves and their teams toward a more beloved way of working." - Jess Rimington and Joanna Levitt Cea

Work Isn’t Working

The authors begin by acknowledging the widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of work. They point out that traditional work environments often prioritize efficiency and profit over human well-being, leading to burnout and disengagement. This chapter serves as a call to action for readers to consider alternative approaches that foster a more supportive and fulfilling work experience.