Success Story
Building a More Connected Culture in a Multi-Location Organization
The Story
A mid-sized company with a distributed workforce across two locations recognized the need to cultivate a more connected workplace to retain top talent and foster a strong sense of belonging. However, the company faced challenges due to the distinct cultures and leadership styles present at each location. Furthermore, while the HR team possessed the necessary skills, they had limited autonomy to initiate and drive comprehensive change programs.
The Challenge
The organization needed to bridge the cultural divide between its two locations and empower its leadership to champion connection. The core challenge lay in creating a unified, connected culture that resonated with all employees, despite the existing geographic and cultural disparities. This required securing buy-in from leadership, providing them with the tools and knowledge to foster connection, and building internal capacity to sustain these efforts long-term.
The Solution
The company partnered with HireCultures consulting firm to embark on a journey toward a more connected workplace.
The program began with a focus on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), recognizing their crucial role in driving organizational change. The key interventions included regular learning sessions for the ELT, focusing on foundational concepts of connection, behaviors that foster connection, and understanding interpersonal dynamics.
These sessions were complemented by executive coaching for both ELT members and the HR team, providing personalized support and guidance. Data from employee engagement surveys was used to pinpoint areas for improvement and track progress. An employee council was established to provide a platform for employee voices and perspectives. Training sessions concluded with action-oriented activities, encouraging ELT members to take concrete steps toward fostering connection within their respective teams. The consulting firm also tracked changes in leadership behavior, recommending targeted activities and learning programs to support their ongoing development. Over time, the focus of the training evolved to address more nuanced workplace dynamics.
The Results
Within 12 months, the Executive Leadership Team demonstrated a significant commitment to creating a more connected culture. Over a 24-month period, employee retention increased by 10%, indicating a positive shift in employee sentiment and a stronger sense of belonging. The organization progressed from initial conversations about connection to addressing more nuanced workplace dynamics, reflecting a deepening level of understanding and engagement. Importantly, the company developed internal capacity to manage change, leveraging coaching on an as-needed basis to sustain their progress.