Earlier this year, we were actively hiring and desperately needed team members who could start immediately with little guidance; we wanted to balance out the hires we’d have to actively train with those who would could jump right in and get to work. The easiest way to achieve this was to recruit a former employee back to Actualize Consulting.
The first possibility who crossed my mind was someone I knew would be a perfect match for our project needs. Someone who would not only succeed but also shine. Long story short, this Star Player welcomed the opportunity to come back to Actualize. Why?
At Actualize, we strive to operate by the 9 principles we’ve outlined in Culture Infusion, and we know that’s what has made us so successful in our employee relations. A foundational part of what fuels our culture is our desire to lead with intention and the knowledge that we can only lead effectively once we have reflected inwardly.
Through that reflection, we’ve seen how much our working and professional life can improve from simple changes like prioritizing personal wellness. We insist that our employees find themselves and their passion, and we support their aspirations and recognize the need for a work/life balance.
Also, even though most of our employees work remotely, our team is still our family and we encourage team connection whenever we can through wellness weeks, retreats, competitions, community service, and more.
These healthy habits have had a domino effect, leading to more positive changes and improving the way we communicate and handle conflict. And as we’ve taken a step back from the office politics and our personal egos, we’ve become more apt to take accountability and use empathy and active listening in our day-to-day lives.
All of this stems from one underlying theme: We are successful because we care.
If you are interested in creating a sought-after workplace, here are 3 good places to start, all of which were key reasons our star player returned to Actualize:
For our Star Player, this balance was extremely important: “Based on my proven track record, I was offered a lot of flexibility. I am able to work from home, part-time, and do not need to travel.”
A big reason our team is so willing to share their skills is because we give them a safe space to do so, and we show them the appreciation they deserve.
This story is a testament to how the principles in Culture Infusion have not only kept our turnover rate to less than one percent for the last three years but also made the company attractive enough for former team members to return.
Do you want to learn more about working with me to enhance your organizational culture? Email me today.
The first possibility who crossed my mind was someone I knew would be a perfect match for our project needs. Someone who would not only succeed but also shine. Long story short, this Star Player welcomed the opportunity to come back to Actualize. Why?
At Actualize, we strive to operate by the 9 principles we’ve outlined in Culture Infusion, and we know that’s what has made us so successful in our employee relations. A foundational part of what fuels our culture is our desire to lead with intention and the knowledge that we can only lead effectively once we have reflected inwardly.
Through that reflection, we’ve seen how much our working and professional life can improve from simple changes like prioritizing personal wellness. We insist that our employees find themselves and their passion, and we support their aspirations and recognize the need for a work/life balance.
Also, even though most of our employees work remotely, our team is still our family and we encourage team connection whenever we can through wellness weeks, retreats, competitions, community service, and more.
These healthy habits have had a domino effect, leading to more positive changes and improving the way we communicate and handle conflict. And as we’ve taken a step back from the office politics and our personal egos, we’ve become more apt to take accountability and use empathy and active listening in our day-to-day lives.
All of this stems from one underlying theme: We are successful because we care.
If you are interested in creating a sought-after workplace, here are 3 good places to start, all of which were key reasons our star player returned to Actualize:
- Lead by example. You as a leader are the model your employees and team members follow. If you don’t follow your own advice, how can you expect others to trust you? This trust will go two ways: not only can your employees count on you but you can also count on your employees, fueling efficiency.
“Things get done more quickly and efficiently here,” our Star Player said. “Both at the project-level and operationally, benefitting clients and employees. I feel I am able to make a bigger impact because they [our leaders] trust us and give us freedom to do our jobs—allowing us to truly go above and beyond with our clients.”
- Encourage a healthy work/life balance. We cannot be fully present if our tanks are only half-full. We all become more effective once we are truly refreshed. Remind your employees that it’s okay to set boundaries and, after finding an appropriate stopping place, to say no to obligations affecting their mental health.
For our Star Player, this balance was extremely important: “Based on my proven track record, I was offered a lot of flexibility. I am able to work from home, part-time, and do not need to travel.”
- Give appreciation. Why is it that we are more likely to bring light to negative things than positive ones? Next time you note a job well done, be sure to say it. Everyone likes to receive positive feedback, and we are more likely to produce good work if we know we are appreciated. Referencing our culture of appreciation, our Star Player said, “I missed the relationships I had built on the team and the quality of our folks. There’s a lot of talent on the team and a lot of willingness for knowledge-sharing.”
A big reason our team is so willing to share their skills is because we give them a safe space to do so, and we show them the appreciation they deserve.
This story is a testament to how the principles in Culture Infusion have not only kept our turnover rate to less than one percent for the last three years but also made the company attractive enough for former team members to return.
Do you want to learn more about working with me to enhance your organizational culture? Email me today.
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