Are you ready for the new generation of employees?

The new generation of employees will choose a business that can articulate its purpose.

 
Defining your organisation’s purpose allows potential new hires to see how their values align with yours. Start by:

• Asking why your business exists, beyond making a profit. For example: what is the real problem we solve?
• Check: do your core values guide your decisions and actions or are they just words on a poster?
• Involve your people in uncovering your purpose.

The importance of Purpose

Your people are your best recruiters. Give them work stories they are proud to share.

 
Having a clear, engaging story that your team will tell because they know it’s true, will make your business attractive.

• Run a Jam to find out what your people and your clients value.
• Get help crafting that into a powerful idea.
• Explore the idea with your people to turn it into a story of their own from the client’s perspective.

 
We helped Identec Solutions create the idea of ‘The Muda Monster’ – a compelling story of how they work to solve billion dollar productivity problems.

About Identec Solutions

It is easy to undervalue the people you see everyday, but they are hard to replace.

 
If you build a culture of recognition tied to your company values, your team will not only be happier, they will be better aligned with your business goals. Start with:

• Identifying the achievements or actions that you want to reward – in collaboration with your people.
• Create a nomination programme that recognises achievements.
• Celebrate these achievements publicly and make it a regular practice.

 
A GW+Co Jam is a great way to reach across organisational structures to find objectives that you and your people can work towards together.

More about GW+Co Jams

Your team can’t drive improvements if they don’t know the direction of travel.

 
Communicating the direction of a business is important to ensure your people are aligned and working towards the same goals. Start with:

• Stating your objectives publicly.
• Ensure that this aligns with your managers and their team’s objectives.
• Articulate why this is important.

 
We worked with Control Techniques to define a vision and strategy that the entire team could get behind. The result was a huge increase in both turnover and operating profit.

About Control Techniques

In a tight labour market, it pays to think of employees as customers.

 
Building an employer brand will help you to attract and retain top talent.

• Ask yourself, do we spend as much effort on our employees’ experience as on our customers’?
• Remember: focus on people and ROI will follow.
• Find out what strengths your best people have, and what lets them use these to the best effect.
• Ask what makes them happy in their current work? This can give you powerful insights.

A positive team culture leads to better retention.

 
Respect and trust are essential for a productive work environment and ensures your people stay longer. Start with:

• Building decision making structures that empower responsibility and accountability.
• Encourage communication and respect for different perspectives.
• Celebrate achievements including those that are not work-related.

 
Creating a positive team culture takes work, but you can see a return on investment almost immediately. A GW+Co Jam will get a culture change programme underway quickly.

More about GW+Co Jams

Make the most of the wisdom you already have. Even the least experienced team members can provide insights and ideas.

 
The new generation of employees are looking for jobs where they can make a difference. Create an environment where they can contribute, and bring their perspectives into your business. Start with:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where ideas are shared freely and welcomed.
• Encourage feedback in areas where experience can be complemented by new thinking.
• Don’t pigeonhole employees – different backgrounds and ages can bring insights and expertise that go beyond their day jobs.