Cultivating a Culture of Openness and Responsiveness
This program is designed to foster a workplace culture where employees feel safe, valued, and heard, leading to increased engagement and reduced 'checkouts'. It focuses on unblocking communication, becoming responsive to employee concerns, and aiming for a higher standard of inclusion and engagement.
Program Modules
Unblocking Communication: Creating a Safe Space to Speak Up
This module focuses on creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns without fear of reprisal.
Active Listening Training & Practice
MonthlyA combined training and practice session to equip managers with the skills to actively listen to and understand employee perspectives. Focus on implementation intentions and social norms.
“Just about all of us have experienced having our ideas shut down or ignored in the workplace. When it happens we tend to experience it as an identity threat.”
Establish Psychological Safety Forum
MonthlyInstead of an anonymous feedback mechanism, create a forum (online or in-person) where employees can share concerns openly within a safe, moderated environment.
“They felt their issues were not being addressed they're not being taken seriously.”
Becoming Responsive: Action-Oriented Feedback
This module focuses on demonstrating responsiveness to employee feedback by taking concrete actions to address their concerns and communicating progress transparently.
Feedback Review & Prioritization
WeeklyRegular meetings to review and prioritize employee feedback received through various channels. Use a standardized rubric for prioritization.
“It's not enough just to hear people out; words without action breed cynicism.”
Action Planning & Transparent Communication
MonthlyDevelop detailed action plans with assigned owners and deadlines to address prioritized feedback. Communicate progress updates to employees regularly.
“When managers and employee activists are on the same page, then action is a natural next step.”
Aiming Higher: Inclusion, Innovation & Social Cohesion
This module aims to create a workplace where employees feel valued for their unique perspectives and contributions, leading to increased innovation, engagement and a strong sense of social cohesion.
Diversity & Inclusion Workshops (with Social Norming)
MonthlyWorkshops designed to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Incorporate elements that foster social cohesion and shared identity. Show examples of inclusive behaviors.
“We need to invite people to bring their whole selves to work because when everyone can bring their life experiences we just have so much more to offer.”
Innovation Challenges with Loss Aversion Framing
YearlyOrganize innovation challenges where employees can submit their ideas for new products, services, or processes. Frame the challenge in terms of potential losses if innovative ideas are not submitted.
“Success doesn't mean we have no problems it means we have better problems.”
What You'll Accomplish
- Participants will be able to actively listen to and understand employee perspectives.
- Participants will be able to implement a safe space for open feedback.
- Participants will be able to take concrete actions to address employee concerns.
- Participants will be able to foster a more inclusive and innovative workplace culture.
- Participants will be able to unblock communication channels within the organization.
- Participants will be able to promote social cohesion and shared identity.
Full program access + updates