Perspectives
What Makes an ‘Activist’ Workplace?
According to Weber Shandwick, 71% of employees feel they can make a difference in society. Forbes reports 76% of millennials consider a company’s social and environmental commitments when deciding where to work. Employers take note, providing a platform for your employees to engage with social issues fuels purpose at the individual and business level. Creating that platform takes work – requiring involvement from across the talent space. We’ve outlined a few ways you can work build an activist culture at all levels of your business.
AT THE TOP (SENIOR LEADERS)
- Adjust Mindsets – reframe social issues as business issues
- Connect With Purpose – understand issues that uniquely relate to your org’s purpose
- Embrace Innovation – encourage disruptive problem solving and design thinking
How Can I Make It Happen?
Aligned Strategic Vision | Change Plan | Stakeholder Buy-In (lines of business)
WHY IT MATTERS
“Customers pay up to 16% more for products & services from brands that are differentiated by things like corporate social responsibility”. (Forbes)
ACROSS THE SYSTEM (PROGRAMS & PROCESSES)
- Build Community – form and support Affinity Groups centered on key social issues
- Open Communication – run candid senior leader-employee discussion forums
- Be Proactive– dedicate time/resources/budgets & partner with marketing/communications
How Can I Make It Happen?
Dedicated Taskforce/Exec Sponsor | Listening Programs | Process Redesign
WHY IT MATTERS
“Employee productivity increases by 20 to 25% in organizations where employees are connected”. (Inc)
ON THE FRONTLINE
(ALL EMPLOYEES)
- Creative Space – create a psychologically safe environment that encourages new ideas
- Connect with Others – actively network with peers from different areas of the business
- Celebrate Success – consistently recognize employees that champion social issues
How Can I Make It Happen?
People Leader Buy-In | Change Enablement Skills | Always-On Communications
WHY IT MATTERS
“Businesses who have highly engaged employees are able to bring in 21% more profit than those who do not”. (Rise People)
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