Are you a former employee of an organization where workers were expendable objects in a machine? Have you worked where the leaders focused on the employees, and your worth was valued and rewarded? Before you leave an organization, take a minute to reflect on how that environment made you feel.
Unfortunately, many organizations are still creating a workplace environment that could be more conducive to personal and professional success. Many leaders still need to be more effective at making their organizations employee-centric. It’s very challenging to change systems and mindsets. Still, it benefits both the company and its employees.
Why Put People First?
The concept of shareholder capitalism is very different from other types of business. It has many limitations, such as exploiting employees and the environment for profit. However, over the years, various alternative approaches have emerged. These include stakeholder capitalism, social entrepreneurship, and organization-focused social impact work.
The variations of shareholder capitalism and social entrepreneurship have created a demand for better social goods and a more humanized approach to business. Because of this, the modern consumer is more likely to support organizations focused on making a positive impact in the world.
What is an Employee-centric culture?
One of the most critical factors that an organization must consider when creating a people-centric culture is developing a strong and resilient employee experience. This can serve as a foundation for its various systemic scaffolding.
According to Jennifer Post’s article on Business.com, an employee-centric culture encourages creativity, innovation, and free-flowing communication. It also provides a safe environment where workers can make suggestions and challenge the structure.
This concept also states that an organization’s culture must include openness, transparency, and positive relationships between its workers and management. This environment can help employees develop a strong sense of belonging to the company.
Establishing a people-first culture within your organization may seem counterintuitive, but doing so can actually benefit both the company and its employees. Numerous studies have shown that doing so can help boost a company’s bottom-line performance.
Employee engagement levels can also improve if the staff members feel valued and appreciated. This can be because the organization’s willingness to invest in them increases their level of commitment.
Aligning the people with the organization’s goals can also help boost the company’s performance. In a people-centric environment, leaders can work with their subordinates to ensure they have the necessary opportunities to excel. Having clear and consistent employee-job alignment and values can also help decrease turnover. It can help keep the staff members engaged and motivated.
- Providing a conducive environment that encourages the development of a productive and efficient workforce can also help boost an organization’s performance.
- Providing employees with a safe and supportive environment can also boost the organization’s innovation and creativity.
- A positive customer experience can help increase sales, customer loyalty, and retention.