Nearly nine out of ten Fortune 100 companies list equity as one of their corporate values. Mentions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on S&P 500 earnings calls have increased by 658% since 2018. Organisations today are striving to deliver better experiences to their clients and significant value to their investors and shareholders. They, therefore, must focus on being Progressive Workplaces. The key to nurturing a progressive workplace is to focus on these three pillars: Culture, Associate Centricity and Communication.
Nurturing a Culture of Empowerment, Innovation and Accountability
Dr. BR Ambedkar when presenting the Indian Constitution said: “however good a policy may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad.” Every organisation today has established the core values and principles it wants to work with. It is quintessential then that they also build an ecosystem, where there is an effective demonstration of those core values. Ensuring that people leaders are coached to build a fabric of trust that allows open communication, collaboration, a culture of empowerment, and respect, is critical for effective transformation. This in conjunction with clear success measures will enable associates in an organisation to display significant ‘ownership of outcomes’ and lead themselves with a deep sense of accountability.
Another fundamental cultural aspect is to learn from both success and failure. Understanding why we succeeded in a project or program will help us build our strengths; reflecting on our failures will enable us not to repeat the same.
Leaders who are empowered, empower their teams, and together lead to high-creativity and innovative thinking. When you lead with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you walk the talk.
The Importance of Associate Centricity
A Mercer study showcased that thriving employees are twice as likely to work for an organisation that effectively balances EQ and IQ in decision-making. It is therefore an unstated expectation that progressive workplaces take an associate-centric approach to policy framing and associate engagement. For an associate, a Great Place to Work needs to be flexible, obsessed with their well-being, and focussed on equity and equitability. Fundamentally, we need to focus upon:
Embracing diversity and inclusion: Celebrating diversity and fostering an inclusive environment allow associates to feel included, valued, and respected. Actively seeking out diverse talent, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, and promoting a culture of belonging is vital to a Progressive Workplace. Ensuring that there are ways for people to speak up about subtle and sub-conscious bias will enable in creating a vibrant environment.
Up-skilling and role rotations: It’s imperative to provide opportunities for associates to learn and grow. This includes training programs, self-learning platforms, mentorship, and career development initiatives. Organisations encouraging time-based role rotations also enable multi-faceted growth, both for the organisation and the associates.
Emphasising associate well-being: Prioritising all aspects of well-being through structured programs, platforms, and initiatives for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of associates is crucial. It is also essential that we focus on the physical and psychological safety of the associates.
Connected Workplace: Offering flexible work options allow associates to be able to prioritise their personal and professional needs easily.
Managing Director
Broadridge India
Build Trust and Transparency through Communication!
Teams get inspired to deliver high impact when they are aligned to the vision of the organisation and understand their own purpose and therefore contribute to the larger goals. Communicating the same with openness, and through multiple channels is important. Leaders must share their goals, expectations, opportunities, and key results regularly. From bite-sized information flows to video blogs, from recognition events to All Hands and Ask Me Anything sessions, every medium of communication should be candid, sincere, honest, and consistent.
A workplace that is driving transformation must listen, respond, and build a culture of continuous improvement and ownership. It has to have its associates and customers at the centre of everything it does. It has to be a relentless learning entity!
