The Workplace Word: Inclusivity, the Open Office Debate and the Need for Manager Training

Every month, we’re highlighting stories, trends and tips related to employee engagement and workplace culture that organizations should be keeping top-of-mind in order to engage, retain and recruit top talent.

  1. Inclusivity extends beyond Pride Month. While Pride Month may be over, inclusivity will continue to be an important workplace topic beyond the month of June. An inclusive workplace culture is one that values individual differences in the workforce, and makes everyone feel welcome and accepted. More than simply making sure you have people of different races or sexual orientation represented, it’s about bringing together people with varying backgrounds, ideas and perspectives to create the best possible work experience for all. Key takeaway: This is a topic that isn’t going away anytime soon, and will continue to be a major factor when it comes to employee engagement and retention. There are many ways, both big and small, that companies can create a more inclusive workplace culture. These articles from Inc. and Forbes provide some helpful ideas and suggestions.
  2. The open office concept continues to be hotly debated. While some love it and some love to hate it, there are both pros and cons to the open office work environment. Many say that it enhances collaboration and creativity. Others says it increases noise and distraction, with some companies choosing to add more private spaces back in, such as quiet rooms or even free-standing office pods, in order to help employees focus. Key takeaway: Whether you’re for or against the open office environment, one thing is for sure: workplace design has a huge impact on the employee experience. Most agree that the best option is a mix of both open and enclosed spaces that can accommodate a range of work styles and preferences. Here are some things to consider when trying to create a work environment that’s comfortable for all.
  3. Managers need more from their companies. I’ve talked before about how managers can make or break the employee experience, and Gallup’s latest research continues to support this. Their findings show that an employee’s interaction with their manager is one of the most important factors for success in all stages of the employee journey. However, the same study found that most managers do not feel like they’re growing to their full potential, and they don’t have a clear picture of how to advance their career – which leads to a lack of engagement. And if they aren’t engaged themselves, how can they successfully engage the employees they manage? Key takeaway: People learn by example. If you want to create a great employee experience, you have to first create a great manager experience – and that includes providing manager development programs. Here are some ways to make sure you’re providing the support they need.

What are some trends that you’re seeing in the workplace? We’d love to share them in a future post! Check back next month for more.

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