Cultivating more human workplaces in 2023
Sharing inspiration to ring in the new year
As we look ahead to the coming year, it will be challenging as leaders. But we believe that by focusing on the fundamentals we can create engaging workplaces, be change agents, build trusting cultures, and grow our personal leadership skillsets.
At Cultivate, we’ve been inspired by quotes that remind us ways to create more human workplaces. We hope you enjoy a few of our thoughts and mantras as we ring in the new year!
Change begins with us
“Focus on things that are small enough to change but big enough to matter.” – Kat Cole
How many times have we set out to improve a process or solve a problem and missed the mark? In a year that will be filled with outside distractions, make the biggest impact through the smallest changes. Don’t know where to start? Ask employees what small change they would make and watch the ideas pour in!
Culture is not words on a wall
“There’s no magic formula for great company culture. The key is just to treat your staff how you would like to be treated.” – Richard Branson
Yes, there’s no magic formula. Guided by our People Helping People mindset, we’re good at setting member experience expectations aligned with our brand. Yet, there can be a lack of focus on aligning the employee experience with the best-in-class culture we want. One of our favorite questions when hosting employee listening sessions is, “what would you say about working here at a friend’s party?” Their first responses say it all!
To build trust, start with communication
“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” – Stephen Covey
Communication happens in every business and team setting. But to build a culture of trust, the communication must be effective. Reading information posted to an intranet or hearing updates at a quarterly town hall isn’t enough. Engage in two-way communication, use short videos to bring concepts to life, and lead with transparency (even when it’s tough!)
The future belongs to the learners
“Every day is a learning day.” – Winston Marshall
Our world is changing, and evolving faster than ever – chat GBT, anyone?! The faster we learn, the greater the impact we’ll have on the lives of our employees, our members and communities we serve. A great way to make learning a priority is to set up a steady stream of content from a few sources you like. So, whether you prefer to learn by reading, listening, or watching, make space every day to explore new ideas. (… and don’t forget to share your learning with others!)
The end goal is deeper engagement
“People want purpose, meaning and gratitude. Purpose is shared, meaning is personal, and gratitude is the great connector.” – Eric Mosely & Derek Irvine
We hear a lot about the current state of the workforce — frustration with old ways of working and a lack of connection, especially in hybrid environments. Connecting employees to our mission, to their managers and to each other can elevate work satisfaction. Give a greater sense of purpose, meaning and gratitude by encouraging 1:1 discussion centered around common goals, peer-to-peer feedback, and good old-fashioned conversation.
