By Joelly Lucien
The workplace is no longer just a place to work. Organizations need to evolve their approach and recognize employees as individuals with varying needs. Below are three must-haves for every employees to feel supported and happy to go to work every day.
1. A corporate culture that offers psychological safety
The Center for Creative Leadership defines psychological safety as the belief that you won’t be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. According to a 2017 Gallup poll, 3 out of 10 employees strongly agreed that their opinions don’t count at work. And a 2020 survey from Catalyst found that nearly half of female business leaders face difficulties speaking up in virtual meetings, and 1 in 5 reported feeling overlooked or ignored during video meetings.
Employers MUST prioritize creating a psychologically safe culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Innovation depends on it.
2. Employee Resource Groups
ERGs (sometimes referred to as BRGs, EBRGs, or ARGs) are employee-led diversity and inclusion initiatives formally supported by an organization. Employees meet together based on common interests, backgrounds, or demographic factors such as gender, race, or sexuality. According to the 2021 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Co. and leanin.org, a look at 423 organizations revealed that about 35% of companies have added or expanded their support for ERGs since the start of 2020.
While creating a sense of community and belonging is a key benefit of ERGs, that it not the only benefit for employees. “In addition to creating a community, aligning an ERG’s overall objectives with the organization’s objectives provides many work opportunities for the ERG participants”, sais Meiko Takayama, AWE Founder & CEO, during the How to Get the Most of Your ERGs panel earlier this year.
3. Talent Development
Nothing says “I’m interested in your long-term future within this company” than sponsoring an employee for professional development and training courses. From upskilling and reskilling, to confidence-boosting, to retaining and engaging high-potential talent, the benefits are endless for both employees and employers alike. Talent development increases productivity and performance. What organization wouldn’t want that?