In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Marie Unger about the connection between employee development and culture. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Marie and Jonathan discussed the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture for business and humanitarian reasons, emphasizing the role of intentionality, empathy, and continuous learning. They also explored the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, highlighting the need for upskilling and reskilling to adapt to changing job requirements. Lastly, they stressed the significance of prioritizing employees and culture for any organization, as it can lead to other priorities such as revenue growth and psychological safety.
Culture's Impact on Workplace Dynamics and Employee Engagement
Jonathan and Marie discussed the importance of culture in various settings, emphasizing its role in shaping workplace dynamics, team performance, and employee engagement. Marie shared her background in public education, highlighting her experience in fostering positive classroom and school cultures. They both agreed on the need to intentionally shape culture for the best chance of success, despite the challenges posed by human nature.
Positive Workplace Culture for Business Success
Marie and Jonathan discussed the importance of a positive workplace culture for both business and humanitarian reasons. Marie emphasized the impact of an employee-centric approach on business outcomes, such as increased productivity and retention. Jonathan agreed, highlighting the preference for a pleasant and enjoyable workplace over a grueling one. Both agreed on the importance of intentionally fostering a positive culture, noting the negative consequences of neglecting this aspect.
Creating Positive Work Culture and Productivity
Jonathan and Marie discussed the importance of creating a positive and productive work culture. Marie emphasized the need for intentionality in fostering a happy and engaging work environment, which in turn boosts productivity. Jonathan agreed, highlighting that while all jobs have less enjoyable tasks, designing the work and environment can help employees feel energized and motivated. They also discussed the significance of empathetic leadership and understanding different approaches to work. Lastly, they planned to explore the connection between employee development and a positive culture.
AI's Impact on Workforce and Leadership
Marie and Jonathan discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. Marie highlighted that while AI is expected to replace 30% of current tasks by 2030, it will also create 20-30 million new jobs. She emphasized the need for organizations to invest in upskilling and reskilling their employees to adapt to these changes. She also pointed out the importance of soft skills like complex problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, which will become increasingly valuable in a rapidly changing digital age. Lastly, she stressed the need for leaders to understand and value the contributions of each generation in the workforce, from baby boomers to future generations, to ensure organizational success and agility.
Developing a Learning Culture in Organizations
Jonathan and Marie emphasized the importance of developing a learning culture within the organization. They argued that this culture should be embedded into the company's DNA, promoting continuous learning and development for all employees. They highlighted that this approach is more holistic than traditional training programs and should be a part of the organization's values and norms. Marie also stressed the importance of leaders modeling this learning mindset in their interactions with employees.
Fostering Positive Work Culture and Employee Engagement
Marie and Jonathan discussed the importance of fostering a positive and growth-oriented work culture. They emphasized the benefits of such a culture, including increased employee engagement, better organizational outcomes, and enhanced psychological safety. They also highlighted the value of an agile and experimental mindset, which allows for rapid iteration and learning. Marie, representing Emergenetics, encouraged others to connect with her or her team to learn more about their work. Finally, they stressed that prioritizing culture and employees should be a top priority for any organization, as it can lead to other priorities, such as revenue growth, taking care of themselves.
Listen to the webinar here:
