When “a packet of pine nuts” impacts our work environment

Dr. David Rock developed the SCARF model and it stands for the five domains that influence our our toward/reward and away/threat responses, behaviours and actions. We move toward something when the domains are met and away when they are not.

Status
Certainty
Autonomy
Relatedness
Fairness

I recently picked up a bag of pine nuts at Woolies, the same one I usually pick up - or so I thought. The big packet, the one I had picked up for years.

Not so this time. At home, I realised that the packet I had purchased, while the same size in cm and in packaging, actually contained 120g or 40% less than the previously bought one. Ok, the weight on the package had changed. If I had consciously known that the big pack used to contain 300g instead of the new 180g, I suppose I could have noticed. We are creatures of habit.

Normally, when packaging changes, it comes with a loud bang and lots of advertising. I guess not so much when the content is actually reduced - and the price, hmm, not so much.

So, why was I triggered into an away response?
 
Of all the options from the SCARF model, fairness was the one that stood out for me most in this instance.
 
The fact that actual size in cm hadn’t changed, had indicated to me that it was the same. The non-transparent top made it impossible to see that the pack was in fact, only half full as compared to the previous packaging. It didn’t feel fair. At least if you’re reducing the content, reduce the packaging accordingly. I also have strong relationship with sustainability. A packet that contains 40% less content can surely be reduced in size to save resources, especially non-recyclable materials like plastic. But it’s easier, cheaper and faster to just reduce content.
 
Secondly, I felt as though my status as consumer had been undermined. I felt like I had been taken for a ride. And I didn’t like that.
 
And thirdly, my sense of certainty was impacted. I now notice myself double checking prices and weights.
 
Yes, it’s only a pack of pine nuts and Woolworths as an organisation could have done better.
 
The bottom line is, we come across these “packets of pine nuts” in our work environment and they impact our work relationships, our happiness at work, our sense of self.
 
Have you encountered these packets of pine nuts at work? How are you managing them? Do you know what questions to ask of your team and colleagues to get toward and supportive responses and not threaten their SCARF?