Cloudy with a chance of engagement
The culture forecast is in your hands.
Last week, we dropped this piece on how culture tangibly supports your organisation’s goals. This week, it’s all about achieving that culture. It can’t be sunny every day, but a healthy atmosphere means you and your people are ready whatever the weather.
We’re always checking the temperature and making decisions accordingly: umbrella or sunhat? Time for a beach day or cosy day in? The choices we make are dictated by that forecast – and if it’s gloomy, all we can do is prepare to weather the storm. Here are a few ways you can inject rays of enthusiasm into every-day worklife:
Prioritise opportunities for recognition: When employees recognise and reward each other for embodying company values, it brightens everyone’s day. Simple acknowledgements can spread warmth and foster a sense of appreciation and community.
Encourage cross-departmental collaboration: Break down those cloudy silos by fostering cross-departmental projects. This won’t only clear the air – it will foster a more cohesive and inclusive environment. When teams work together, they create a climate of unity and shared purpose.
Host internal TED Talks: How about an internal weather report? Encourage your people to share their passions, expertise, or personal stories. This not only highlights diverse talents but also fosters a culture of learning and inspiration.
Celebrate failure: Every cloud has a silver lining, and so do missteps at work. Creating a culture where failure is seen as a learning opportunity encourages a growth mindset. Hosting open table opportunities where employees can share their mistakes and lessons learned can turn stormy moments into valuable experiences.
Incorporate wellness programmes: Why not prepare for all kinds of weather? From meditation sessions to financial planning workshops, addressing all aspects of well-being creates a balanced and supportive atmosphere.
Finally, what about a unique flip side to the classic mentor model? Introduce ‘reverse mentoring’: Pair senior leaders with junior employees as mentors, allowing the exchange of fresh ideas and modern approaches to work. This cross-generational interaction ensures your company remains adaptable and forward-thinking. It could just be the refreshing breeze your people (whether seasoned and newcomer) need.
Ultimately, your healthy culture will really come down to boosted interpersonal connections, and growing and reinforcing personal networks. These objectives are likely already at the heart of your people – after all, we trust your judgment in your hiring processes! But in the midst of all the hierarchies, hard work and organisational politics that are a natural part of the workplace, many employees are likely to leave these on the back burner. That is, unless you prioritise them. Offer your employees the gear they need to be prepared for any weather, and set the temperature yourself. Imagine if every quarter was full of sunny days? This could be your reality.