We were delighted to sponsor the North America Inspiring Workplaces Awards this year. Congratulations to all the winners!
In reply to a few requests, we're sharing here my opening welcome remarks.
I’m honored and grateful to be here tonight – celebrating companies who figured out something revolutionary: treating people like actual people is a strategic and competitive advantage.
What a concept, right?
To help companies fully realize and activate the employer/employee relationship is at the heart of our mission at Employera. So we’re delighted — and inspired — to celebrate YOU tonight: the companies who are leading the way.
In our day jobs at Employera our work is focused on strategy and design for the workplace.
- that sometimes calls for creative and storytelling in support of recruiting or retention
- sometimes it’s help in setting the foundations of brand strategy or internal comms
- or simply fixing what's in the way of leadership and team alignment
But what it all boils down to is using human-centered design to really dig in and solve puzzles and opportunities in the modern workplace.
And we all know the modern workplace could use as much inspiration as possible these days. And the world, for that matter! An inspiring workplace creates ripple effects that extend far beyond office walls. When someone feels valued at work, they bring that energy home to their families and communities.
We work with both award-winning companies, and with those striving (or struggling) to become one.
What we’ve learned both inside and alongside companies at every stage in this journey is - the work IS work.
Vibrant, inspiring workplaces don't happen by accident. They're built intentionally, day by day, by leaders and teams who understand that when people thrive, businesses thrive.
When people thrive, businesses thrive. Companies that invest in their people crush it in every metric that matters.
The art of making people feel seen, heard, and valued isn’t necessarily common these days. But we all know this isn't just about being nice. Companies that invest in their people crush it in every metric that matters: better retention, more innovation, happier customers, stronger profits.
All this to say — our hope is that you feel seen and honored tonight. Because it is work. May this celebration be a boost as you get back to the good fight.
Have any of you worked somewhere that would not qualify for these kinds of awards? You know where you need those “group therapy” secret text chains? I have a few of those from my past and I’ve been thinking of those former colleagues as we’ve prepped for this event tonight - wishing them well and Godspeed.
I empathize with the work they have ahead of them, trying so hard to make things better in those workplaces.
And I bet even those of us here tonight - we all likely still have work to do. Those tough people situations to crack. The next thorny challenge waiting in our inboxes.
The world needs more organizations to be people-first.
So tonight we honor that the work is work. But let's also recognize tonight as a call to action to keep going!
The world needs us. The world needs more and more organizations to be people-first —
If we at Employera can help achieve that we’d be delighted. So we’d like to pay it forward by offering a discount on any project to any of you present here tonight AND anyone with whom you wish to share it.
It can be a big project or a quick tune-up - big or small – anything to keep fighting the good fight.
Whatever we can do to help you and your teams continue to inspire - and whatever would be useful to pay it forward and share with our friends and colleagues who need that boost to keep fighting the good fight.
Here’s to the countless individuals whose lives and careers are better because of your commitment to putting people first.
So let's raise a toast:
Here's to everyone here who has figured out that inspired employees are basically your secret weapon.
And here’s to the countless individuals whose lives and careers are better because of your commitment to putting people first.
Thank you for recognizing that behind every innovative solution, every breakthrough moment, and every satisfied customer, it’s all thanks to your individuals who feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
Cheers!
What an Inspiring Workplace Looks Like
We recently did an article series exploring the elements of culture that result in an inspiring workplace - in celebration of the Inspiring Workplaces awards.
Go deeper:
- How Inspiring Workplaces Drive Success
- Actions Speak Louder Than Mission Statements: Leadership's Critical Role in Shaping Workplace Culture
- Why True Workplace Inclusion Matters More Than Ever
- Building a Thoughtful Employee Experience: Why Every Moment Matters
- How Listening Transforms Culture: The Importance of Employee Voice in the Workplace
- The Science of Flourishing: Employee Wellbeing is Essential for Business Success
- You Matter; Your Work Matters. The Power of Clear Culture and Purpose at Work
Want to Keep the Conversation Going?
We are interested to hear your perspective about the challenges you face in your organization. If you have any questions we will be more than happy to advise.